FOOD Regulator Denies Closure of Tummy Tummy Noodles Factory in Anambra

An audio clip that has been making the rounds on social media and messaging apps claims that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) closed the “Tummy Tummy” noodles factory in Anambra State. However, NAFDAC has disputed these claims.

In a statement released on Wednesday by Director-General Professor Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, the agency also denied that there was a rumored restriction on Maggi seasoning cubes and canned tomatoes.

The audio recording initially surfaced in October 2023, but NAFDAC claims it is completely deceptive and incorrect.

In an unplanned examination of the Tummy Tummy Noodles facility, the agency said that it saw no indications of any safety or legal violations.

The inspection team also gathered samples of four distinct noodle varieties, which were examined at the Agulu Laboratory and yielded positive results.

“The Anambra State Tummy Tummy Noodles facility was not sealed, despite what the recording said.
Four distinct noodle varieties were sampled during an impromptu visit by a NAFDAC inspection team, which then sent the samples to the Agulu Laboratory for analysis. There were no documented transgressions, so the results were satisfactory.
The person who recorded the audio made up claims that they were working with NAFDAC and that the product contained “acetyl methyl” as a preservative. This was deceptive and ill-founded. NAFDAC confirms that there was no safety or regulatory standard violation by the corporation and found no evidence to back up the allegations.

According to the agency, it also carried out a thorough study at the factory and market levels when ethylene oxide’s presence in instant noodles caused significant alarm in 2023. Results showed that none of the Nigerian-made seasonings or instant noodles contained ethylene oxide or its derivatives.

Nigerian-made noodles were also confirmed to be safe because mycotoxin and heavy metal levels were below globally accepted bounds.

Additionally, NAFDAC confirmed that Nigeria does not have a ban on Maggi seasoning cubes or canned tomatoes.

The organization advised the public to ignore the false audio and not disseminate unconfirmed information.

NAFDAC is still proactive and dedicated to its mission of protecting public health by making sure that Nigerians have access to only safe, superior, and appropriately regulated food and pharmaceutical items,” the statement said.