NAFDAC raids bauchi market, recover fake products

The Bauchi State office of the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has launched a three-day operation aimed at removing counterfeit Milo chocolate drinks from local markets. This initiative, which began on Tuesday, is part of a broader effort to protect consumers from the dangers of fake products.

Dr. Paul Kamai, the NAFDAC State Director, announced the commencement of the inspections on Wednesday in Bauchi, stating that the operation follows a directive from the agency's headquarters. "We have initiated inspections in various markets and superstores to identify and confiscate fake Milo products in circulation," Kamai said. The operation is set to continue through Thursday.

In addition to addressing counterfeit products, NAFDAC has also scheduled a meeting with the leadership of the association of agro-chemical dealers in Bauchi to discuss the risks associated with using harmful chemicals on food, particularly as the harvest season approaches. Kamai emphasized the dangers of using banned chemicals like Dictholoruvis and Paraquat for food storage, warning that these substances pose serious health risks.

Kamai further urged bakers and packaged water producers to ensure their operational licenses are renewed within the required two-year period. He cautioned that failing to renew these licenses could lead to penalties that may disrupt business operations.

Additionally, Kamai called on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to register their products with NAFDAC to facilitate their integration into the Nigerian market, ensuring that their goods meet regulatory standards and reach consumers safely.