NAFDAC Expands Investigation to Other Noodle Brands Due to Cancer Concern

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) yesterday revealed that it was expanding its test for the presence of the killer seasoning, ethylene oxide, to other brands of instant noodles offered for sale to Nigerians.

The regulatory agency had on Monday, revealed its commencement of random sampling of Indomie noodles (including the seasoning) from the production facilities while its Post Marketing Surveillance Directorate was carrying out test on samples from the markets.

In addition, the agency said the Ports Inspection Directorate (PID) was also on heightened alert to guard against importation of the implicated product into Nigeria.

Ethylene oxide, is a compound associated with an increased risk of cancer.
In a statement signed by the Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the agency stated: “NAFDAC, as a responsible and responsive regulator, is taking swift actions to carry out random sampling and analysis of Indomie noodles (including the seasoning) for the presence of ethylene oxide, as well as extending the investigation to other brands of instant noodles offered for sale to Nigerians.”

NAFDAC said it’s action was based on the recall of Indomie instant noodles special chicken flavour by Health officials in Malaysia and Taiwan over alleged detection of ethylene oxide, a carcinogenic compound.

Adeyeye said NAFDAC was aware of the recalls of Indomie Instant Noodles Special Chicken Flavour by the Ministries of Health in Malaysia and Taiwan on account of the alleged presence of ethylene oxide, a compound associated with an increased risk of cancer.