NAFDAC hereby alerts Healthcare providers and the general public on the urgent need to discontinue the use of the following product manufactured by Biomedical Services Limited, No. 1 Ohimege Road Industrial Estate, Ilorin, Kwara State.

Bioflex (Dextrose 5% in 0.9% Sodium Chloride) Infusion Manufacturing Date: 01-2005
Expiry Date: 01-2008
Batch N0. 015002
NAFDAC Reg. No. 04-1342
Net Volume: 500ml

Consumer complaints from some states were received in respect of this product. Subsequent laboratory analysis conducted by the Agency indicated that this batch of infusion failed sterility and pyrogen tests, thereby confirming the product as unsafe for human use.

Biomedical Services Limited has been directed to withdraw the contaminated infusion from circulation.

All distribution outlets in possession of this batch of infusion should surrender it to the nearest NAFDAC office for destruction.

Signed: Management

Adultrated Palm Oil

As a follow-up to its recently nationwide survey and Laboratory analysis of palm oil samples collected from various parts of the country, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) hereby inform the general public to dismiss the current panic and alarm being raised over adulterated palm oil in the country.

Results of Laboratory analysis of 102 samples of palm oil collected from 9 states, and further investigations carried out by our officers in other states of federation, revealed that palm oil being sold in our markets remain safe and fit for human consumption.

Out of the 102 samples analyzed by the Agency, 72 (70.6%) of the samples were satisfactory, 29 (28.52%) contained harmless, permissible annatto dye, while a negligible 1 (0.8%) sample drawn from Osun State contained a carcinogenic azo dye.

NAFDAC has however taken prompt and immediate regulatory action to mop up the adulterated 0.8% palm oil in circulation and put up measures to discourage further adulteration.

It is important for the public to note that the deep red colour in palm oil is not an indication of adulteration since some species of Nigerian palm seeds produces palm oil with deep red colour.

In other to further safeguard the health of the consuming public, NAFDAC is working hard to obtain Analytical test kits that will enable buyers of palm oil to carry out on the spot test to distinguish genuine ones form adulterated products.

NAFDAC again warns that anybody found producing or distributing adulterated palm oil will have such offensive products seized and the owner prosecuted.

The general public is also advised to report to the nearest NAFDAC office any suspected case of adulterated palm oil.

Signed: Management

Sachet Water

NAFDAC hereby dissociate itself from the purported increase in the unit price of sachet water from N5.00 to N10.00 in some parts of the country.

The Agency wishes to inform the general public that it has not increased charges on registration of the packaged water since introduction of its current tariff in 2002.

The misinformation and false claims by self-styled packaged water producers Associations in the media, attributing the price hike to increased production arising from upward review of NAFDAC tariff should be disregarded.

The statutory responsibility of NAFDAC is to control and regulate the quality of packaged water produced, distributed, sold advertised and consumed in the country. It therefore has no hand in the current controversy on price increase for sachet water.

Signed: Management

Public Alert on Fake NAFDAC Website and Emails

Attention of NAFDAC Management has been drawn to fake NAFDAC website and e-mail addresses created by dubious people with the criminal intention of duping Nigerians and members of the international community. This has been used to extort money from some foreigners

In view of this ugly development, NAFDAC hereby announces its genuine and authorized Website and E-mail addresses as follows:

Website: www.nafdacnigeria.org
E-mail: nafdac@nafdacnigeria.org
nafdac@yahoo.com
nafdac.lagos@nafdacnigeria.org
nafdac.lagos@alpha.linkserve.com
nafdac@linkserve.com

The Agency therefore advises the international community and the general public to disregard Website and E-mail addresses different from those stated in this alert notice.

Signed: Management

Enforcement of Deadline for Iodization of Salt By NAFDAC

In order to ensure attainment of total elimination of Iodine Deficiency Disorder (IDD) in the country, NAFDAC has decided to begin effective implementation of some policy measures emanating from several consultative meetings earlier held with Salt Manufacturers and Importers.

With effect from 1st July, 2005, Manufacture, Importation, Distribution, Packaging and Sale of Iodized Salt in 25kg bags or big sacs shall become criminal offences.

The Agency therefore advises all salt manufacturers, Importers and Distributors to comply with the June 30, 2005 deadline for the packaging of iodized salt in small pack sizes of 1kg, 500g and 250g, as contained in the packaging requirement for Food Grade Salt, NIS 168 of 2004, issued by the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON); and agreed during the Stakeholders’ meeting of June 4, 2004 held at Rockview Hotel in Abuja.

Defaulting salt companies will have their products seized, evacuated for destruction and thereafter face prosecution.

The general public is also advised to buy only salt in small pack sizes with NAFDAC Registration number, NIS number and iodization logo; and report defaulters to the nearest NAFDAC office.

Signed: Management

NAFDAC Bans Dipryone (i.e. Novalgin, Analgine e.t.c.) Drugs

In view of recorded cases of adverse reactions by patients, NAFDAC hereby alerts Healthcare providers and the general public on the ban of Novalgin, Analgin, Optalgin, Drunalgin, Dr. Meyers Novalmin, Akarin and other brands of Dipyrone drugs.

With effect from 1st September 2005, the Agency will not allow the manufacture and importation of these drugs in all dosage forms (injections, tablets and syrups) into the country.

Also, with effect from 1st January, 2006, the sale and use of all brands of Dipyrone (matamizole) drugs are hereby banned.

However, within the six months grace period (June to December 2005), NAFDAC warns that medical practitioners can only use Dipyrone under strict supervision and as first line analgestic or antipyretic agent in treatment when all other alternative drugs are unsuitable.

After the December 2005 Deadline, any pharmaceutical company, Hospital, Clinic, drug retail outlets or market in possession of Dipyrone will have them seized, evacuated for destruction and the owners severely sanctioned.

The Agency therefore advise the public to report to the nearest NAFDAC office defaulting medical practitioner found administering or dispensing dipyrone after 31st December, 2005.

Signed: Management

Public Notice on Impersonators

NAFDAC hereby alerts the general public about the criminal activities of some impersonators parading themselves as staff of the Agency and extorting money from unsuspecting Medicine Dealers, Bakers, Producers of packaged water and other NAFDAC regulated products in several parts of the country.

These impersonators are often in possession of Fake NAFDAC ID Cards, Letter Headed Papers and registration certificates. They carry out unauthorized inspection, collect illegal fines and seize products of their victims.

In view of this worrisome development, NAFDAC wishes to state that:
i. nobody is authorized to collect Cash for fines or fees on behalf of NAFDAC. All financial transactions including fines by offenders are to be paid only in Bank Draft in favour of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

ii. In case of doubt, the public is also advised to call the following telephone numbers for clarification:-

Abuja
09-6702839, 09-524099

Lagos
01-4524259,4528031

Signed: Management

Public Notice on Renewal of NAFDAC Registration Licences

The Management of NAFDAC has noted with dismay that some companies who deal on Drugs, Processed Food, Cosmetics and other NAFDAC regulated products have continued to operate illegally several months or years after their Registration Licenses expired.

In view of this, the Agency hereby gives 3months deadline to defaulting companies to get their expired products Registration Licenses or certificates renewed.

With effect from 3rd October, 2005, any company operating with expired products Registration Licenses will have their products confiscated and destroyed in addition to other severe sanctions.

All Manufacturers, Importers, Distributors or Marketers of NAFDAC Regulated products affected by this directive are advised to comply immediately.

Signed: Management

Alert on Fake Canesten and baycuten Creams

NAFDAC and Gemini Pharmaceuticals Nigeria Limited hereby alert the public on the circulation of Fake Canesten Cream and Baycuten Cream falsely claimed to have been manufactured by Gemini Pharmaceuticals Nigeria Limited, Amuwo Odofin Industrial Estate, Lagos.

Gemini Pharmaceuticals Nigeria Limited no longer manufactures Canesten and Baycuten Creams. Both creams are no longer registered in Nigeria by NAFDAC.

In place of Canesten and Baycuten, Gemini Pharmaceuticals Nigeria Ltd produces SABRESTEN ® Cream with NAFDAC Reg. No. 04-3115 and VECUTEN ® Cream with NAFDAC Reg. No. 04-3285.

The public is therefore advised not to purchase any Canesten or Baycuten Cream because they are fake and dangerous to health. Also report any person stocking or selling these fake brands to the nearest NAFDAC office.

Signed: Management

NAFDAC’S Deadline for Listing Chemical Importers and Markerters

In the bid to control the rampant cases of abuse of chemicals, NAFDAC hereby directs all Importers, Distributors and Marketers of chemicals in the country who have not listed their products with NAFDAC to do so without further delay.

The issuance of Listing Certificate by NAFDAC which started since 2000, confers marketing authorization on Importers, Distributors and Marketers of chemicals.

With effect from 1st October, 2005 any chemical Importer, Distributor or Marketer without NAFDAC Listing Certificate will have such products seized, evacuated for destruction and the owner prosecuted.

The public is advised to report immediately any company or individual suspected to be in possession of chemical without NAFDAC License.

Signed: Management

Calabash Chalk

NAFDAC hereby alerts pregnant women, Breastfeeding mothers and the general public about the grave dangers associated with the consumption of a food substance known as Calabash chalk.

Calabash chalk is widely sold in various markets nationwide and eaten mostly by pregnant women as remedy for early morning sickness.

Laboratory Analysis carried out by NAFDAC on samples of the product drawn from various parts of the country revealed heavy presence of lead and arsenic exceeding the permitted limit of 1milgram per 1kilogram of calabash chalk which is considered harmful to human health.

Consumption of calabash chalk with high concentration of lead by pregnant women can cause damage to the brain and nervous system of the unborn baby in addition to other severe health hazards.

Members of the public particularly pregnant women and breastfeeding mother are therefore advised to desist from eating calabash chalk which is also called Calabar Stone, Nzu, Mabele, Argile and La Craie in some parts of the country and neighboring West African communities.

Signed: Management

Message To all retail Pharmacy outlets, Supermarkets, Shops and Open Market Operators

The intensive nation-wide public enlightenment campaigns and series of consultative meetings held with broad spectrum of stakeholders in pharmaceutical, food, cosmetics, chemical and packaged water industries have had far reaching effects on the level of awareness and consciousness of the general public about NAFDAC regulatory activities.

However, it is disheartening to note that recent surveillance activities of the Agency are being frustrated by inability of retailers to provide genuine receipts, delivery notes or any other authentic document to enable our enforcement officers trace the original source of fake and counterfeit drugs and other spurious regulated products displayed for sale in their stores.NAFDAC is poised and ever determined in its nation-wide enforcement operation to flush out fake drugs, other unwholesome and unregistered products, and therefore notifies all affected companies and individuals as follows:

All food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, chemicals/detergents and packaged water/juices, alcohol, beverages displayed for sale anywhere in Nigeria must have an authentic, traceable source of purchase (invoice/receipt).Such invoices/receipts must have clear and genuine name and location address(es) of the company, and telephone numbers if any; as well as the name and signature of the contact person.

Any product found on display (whether fake or genuine, registered or unregistered), whose source cannot be traced shall henceforth be seized by NAFDAC officials, and destroyed.You are therefore advised to ensure proper documentation of the origin of all regulated products displayed for sale in your various sales outlets, because it is only through the presentation of a genuine receipt of purchase that a retailer can claim innoence of stocking a fake drug or other regulated products.

Signed: Management