NAFDAC Bans Importation Of Some Food Items: See List

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned against the importation and sale in the country of certain food items.

This is with reference to regulated food items which for safety and other considerations have been placed on the Federal Government’s Customs Prohibition List.

The warning was contained in a statement today, signed by the agency’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola in Abuja.

NAFDAC listed the products to be: pasta, noodles, sugar, and tomato paste – stating that they are not permitted for importation.

“The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised an alarm over the growing incidence of smuggling, sale, and distribution of regulated food products such as pasta, noodles, sugar, and tomato paste currently found in markets across the country.

“These products are expressly listed on the Federal Government’s Customs Prohibition List and are not permitted for importation.

CLICK HERE FOR:  NIGERIA CUSTOMS IMPORT PROHIBITION LIST

“NAFDAC warns that the circulation of such prohibited items violates national trade laws, undermines the integrity of the country’s food control system, and poses significant risks to public health, as these products have not undergone the Agency’s mandatory safety evaluation and quality assurance processes,” the statement read.

It also directed all importers, supermarket operators, open market traders, and other stakeholders in the food supply chain to immediately cease the importation, sale, and distribution of all products on the Customs Prohibition List.

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“All importers, supermarket operators, open market traders, and other stakeholders in the food supply chain are hereby directed to immediately cease the importation, sale, and distribution of all products on the Customs Prohibition List,” it added.

“Stakeholders are further advised to ensure full compliance with NAFDAC regulations and to promptly notify their supply chain partners to discontinue any transactions involving these items.

“Failure to comply will attract strict enforcement actions, including seizure and destruction of prohibited goods, suspension or revocation of operational licences, and prosecution in accordance with relevant laws,” it added.

To enforce the prohibition of these unsafe products, NAFDAC also called for a collaborative work with some other agencies of the federal government, including:

1. Nigeria Customs Service,
2. Nigeria Immigration Service,
3. Nigeria Shippers Council,
4. Standards Organisation of Nigeria,
5. Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency,
6. Nigerian Ports Authority, and
7. Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service

“NAFDAC remains committed to safeguarding the health of Nigerians and ensuring strict adherence to regulatory standards. Stakeholders are urged to cooperate fully with the Agency’s efforts. For further inquiries, please contact the Post-Marketing Surveillance Division at pms@nafdac.gov.ng,” the statement added.