The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has conducted a raid on a warehouse in the Apata community of Jos North Local Government Area in Plateau State, Nigeria, due to allegations of product alteration. The operation resulted in the arrest of two suspects, Emma Nwobi and Yusuf Hassan, who are accused of tampering with the expiration dates on expired products to deceive consumers.
According to Kenneth Azikiwe, North Central Zone Director of NAFDAC, the raid was part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and quality of products in the market, particularly during the upcoming festive period. Azikiwe explained that the suspects altered the expiration dates on products, including wines and hot drinks, by cleaning them with chemicals to remove the original dates and then re-labeling them with new ones.
The agency’s investigation was prompted by a consumer complaint, which led to the discovery of the facility. Azikiwe noted that the products were sold in small quantities to avoid suspicion. The two suspects in custody, Yusuf Hassan and Emma Nwobi, allegedly played different roles in the alteration process, with Hassan applying the altered dates and Nwobi providing the labels.
NAFDAC has been conducting regular checks on markets, distributors, supermarkets, and sales outlets to ensure product safety. The agency’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, has directed officials to be extra vigilant during the festive period to guarantee the safety and quality of all products.
State Coordinator of NAFDAC, Dr. Obida Musa, condemned the act, describing it as “truly unfortunate” and “appalling.” Musa advised the public to be cautious when purchasing products, especially regulated ones, and to report any suspicious products to NAFDAC.
One of the suspects, Yusuf Hassan, claimed he was unaware that the expiration date had been altered and pleaded for leniency. NAFDAC is currently leading a nationwide operation to rid the country of unregistered, expired, falsified, or banned products that pose health risks to the citizenry. The agency’s efforts aim to protect consumers and ensure the safety and quality of products in the market.