29th November, 2024
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a stern warning to frozen food dealers, urging them to desist from selling and distributing unregistered and prohibited products.
This announcement was made during a one-day sensitisation programme held on Friday at Kado Fish Market, the largest fish market in North-Central Nigeria.
The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, represented by Mr. Kenneth Azikiwe, Director of the FCT Directorate, emphasized the need to curb the importation and distribution of banned products. She highlighted the importance of supporting local farmers and producers of frozen food as a vital step in bolstering the economy.
“This sensitisation programme is designed to ensure good storage and distribution practices in the market because properly stored food products maintain quality before consumption,” she said.
Adeyeye reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to combating the illegal production, distribution, and sale of unregistered packaged food, water, and other regulated products. She noted that the initiative aims to safeguard public health, especially during the festive season.
She also urged market association members to prioritize locally manufactured and NAFDAC-registered frozen products, ensuring quality and safety for consumers.
Prof. Adeyeye warned of stringent enforcement measures for violators of the Federal Government’s ban on the importation of frozen chicken, turkey, and catfish.
Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed, Chairman of the Frozen Food Sellers Association at Kado Fish Market, welcomed the programme and pledged the association’s support for NAFDAC’s policies.
“We will comply with these regulations to promote the well-being of Nigerians,” Mohammed said, while appealing to the agency to enforce policies fairly and compassionately.
In a related development, NAFDAC has conducted inspections of water production factories within the Federal Capital Territory to ensure compliance with hygienic standards and good manufacturing practices among sachet and table water producers.
