The Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has debunked a viral audio circulating on social media, describing it as false and misleading.

The audio falsely claims that NAFDAC shut down the Tummy Tummy noodles facility in Anambra State and banned the sale of tinned tomatoes and Maggi seasoning cubes.

In a statement on Wednesday by NAFDAC’s Resident Media Consultant, Sayo Akintola, the DG said the agency categorically disclaims the contents of this recording and dissociates itself from it in its entirety.

She explained that the same audio first surfaced in October 2023 and was thoroughly investigated by the agency at that time.

“Contrary to the claims made in the recording, the Tummy Tummy noodles facility in Anambra State was not sealed,” she clarified.

Prof. Adeyeye said an inspection team from NAFDAC had conducted an unannounced visit to the factory, during which they collected samples of four different noodle variants and submitted them to the Agulu Laboratory for analysis.

“The results returned satisfactory, with no infractions recorded,” she stated.

She further clarified that the individual behind the misleading audio falsely claimed to be acting in collaboration with NAFDAC and alleged the use of ‘acetyl methyl’ as a preservative in the product, saying, “This was unfounded and misleading. NAFDAC found no evidence to support the claims and reiterates that the company was not in violation of any safety or regulatory standards”.

Addressing broader concerns, Prof. Adeyeye recalled that following reports in 2023 about the presence of ethylene oxide in instant noodles, NAFDAC launched a comprehensive investigation covering both factory and market levels.

“Findings confirmed that ethylene oxide or its derivative was not present in any instant noodles or seasonings produced in Nigeria. Additionally, mycotoxin levels and heavy metals were within internationally acceptable limits, confirming the safety of Nigerian-made noodles,” she stated.

She also reaffirmed that there is no ban on tinned tomatoes or Maggi seasoning cubes in Nigeria, saying, “We urge the public to disregard the misleading audio and refrain from spreading unverified content”.

She reassured the public that NAFDAC remains proactive and committed to its mandate of safeguarding public health by ensuring that only safe, high-quality, and properly regulated food and drug products are available to Nigerians.