NAFDAC officials have been raiding local markets in search of imported fruit juice brands which have become contraband in Nigeria.
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Following the Federal Government ban of imported fruit juice into the country, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration, NAFDAC, has begun mop-up of all imported fruit juices nationwide.
Addressing journalists shortly after the raid which took place in various markets in Lagos by the enforcement team of NAFDAC, Deputy Director, Investigation & Enforcement Directorate, Mr. Francis Ononiwu decried the influx of imported fruit juices in the country, blaming it on the absence of the Agency’s staff at the ports.
According to him, the Federal Government as a matter of urgency should reconsider bringing NAFDAC back to the ports in order to drastically reduce fake, counterfeit and imported banned products into the country.
“We are all aware that most of these products come through the sea ports and NAFDAC is not on ground there, definitely, we cannot effectively stop the products from entering. That is a major challenge. If we are there the quantity will be much more reduced or eliminated. Federal government should reconsider taking NAFDAC back to the ports”
Ononiwu explained that the mop –up exercise is ongoing nationwide, not only to meet the deadline for the exercise but also to create an enabling environment for local manufacturers of fruit juices in the country.
“These imported products are not registered by NAFDAC; they are unwholesome and fake and have been banned by the Federal Government. We don’t expect to see imported fruit juices in our markets today because we have enough fruit juice manufactured and produced here.