The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has clarified that the Indomie Noodles Vegetable Flavour recently recalled in France did not originate from Nigeria and is not available for sale in the country.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by the Director-General of the agency, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, NAFDAC explained that the product was recalled by French food safety authority, Rappel Conso, due to the presence of undeclared allergens, specifically milk and eggs, which could pose health risks to consumers with allergies.
The agency said the clarification became necessary following public concern triggered by reports of the recall circulating online. It stressed that the affected Indomie Vegetable Flavour is not registered by NAFDAC and is not authorised for sale in Nigeria.
NAFDAC disclosed that surveillance activities have been intensified nationwide, with zonal directors and state coordinators directed to monitor markets and ensure that the recalled product is removed if found in any location.
The agency also placed its Ports Inspection Directorate on heightened alert to prevent the product from entering the country.
According to NAFDAC, noodles are listed on the Federal Government’s Import Prohibition List, making their importation into Nigeria illegal and significantly reducing the likelihood of the recalled product reaching the Nigerian market.
The agency further explained that all Indomie Instant Noodles and other noodle brands sold in Nigeria are manufactured locally and only approved for sale after meeting strict regulatory requirements, including compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice standards.
While recalling a similar international food safety alert involving Indomie Special Chicken Flavour in 2023, NAFDAC noted that investigations at the time confirmed that noodles produced in Nigeria were safe for consumption.
The agency advised consumers to remain vigilant, discard the recalled product if found, and report any suspected sale or distribution to the nearest NAFDAC office or through its dedicated hotline.
It also encouraged the public to report any adverse reactions related to food consumption via its official reporting platforms.
NAFDAC reassured Nigerians of its continued commitment to safeguarding public health and ensuring that only safe, regulated food products are available in the country.
