The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has announced that it will launch an investigation into the allegations of a cancer-causing chemical found in Indomie noodles. In the previous report Health officials in Malaysia and Taiwan claimed to have found ethylene oxide, a compound that is used to sterilize medical equipment and plastics, in Indomie’s special chicken flavor noodles. This compound is said to be a cancer-causing chemical.
Indofood, makers of Indomie noodles, has maintained that the product is safe for consumption, stating that the noodles received standard certifications and were produced in compliance with international food safety regulations.
In response to the allegations, Mojisola Adeyeye, NAFDAC director-general, confirmed that the agency would begin random sample tests of the noodles and other brands from May 2. She said that NAFDAC started investigating once it got wind of the recall of the products by Taiwan and Malaysia authorities.
The DG explained that the product is on the prohibition list of the federal government and is not registered by the agency. She added that NAFDAC is working to ensure that the product is not being smuggled, and the feedback from the investigations would be communicated to the public.
The World Instant Noodles Association (WINA) reveals that Nigeria is one of the largest consumers of instant noodles globally, with Indomie instant noodles being the most consumed brand in Nigeria. As such, NAFDAC is taking this investigation very seriously to ensure the safety of Nigerians.