By Precious Mark
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public alert following the recall of specific batches of Citro-Soda Regular in South Africa over concerns of possible contamination during production.
NAFDAC disclosed that the alert was received from the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), which announced the recall after identifying a potential contamination risk at the Adcock Ingram Clayville manufacturing facility in Johannesburg.
Citro-Soda is an effervescent urinary alkalinizer and gastric antacid commonly used to relieve heartburn, indigestion, and symptoms associated with urinary tract infections by neutralising excess stomach acid.
According to NAFDAC, the affected products are Citro-Soda Regular variants manufactured at the Clayville plant.
The recalled products include all batches with batch numbers beginning with the letter “C,” expiry dates on or before November 2027, and pack sizes of Citro-Soda Regular 60g, 120g, and 4g x 30 sachets.
The agency warned that the use of contaminated medicinal products could pose serious health risks, including acute toxicity, long-term health complications, and, in severe cases, death.
NAFDAC stressed that the recall is currently limited to South Africa and specifically involves products manufactured at the Adcock Ingram facility in Johannesburg.
However, the agency stated that precautionary measures are being taken to prevent the affected products from entering the Nigerian market.
All NAFDAC zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to intensify surveillance activities and remove any affected products found within their jurisdictions.
The agency also urged importers, distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, caregivers, and consumers to remain vigilant throughout the supply chain to prevent the importation, distribution, sale, or use of the recalled products.
NAFDAC advised the public to purchase medicines only from authorised and licensed suppliers and to carefully verify the authenticity and physical condition of medical products before use.
Healthcare professionals and consumers were further encouraged to report any suspected sale of substandard or falsified medicines, medical devices, or other NAFDAC-regulated products to the nearest NAFDAC office.