NAFDAC raises alarm on illegal importation of unapproved sugar from Brazil, India

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has notified the public of the illegal importation of foreign unauthorized sugar manufactured in Brazil and India.

NAFDAC disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

According to the agency, the products are imported through Cameroun (Douala), Niger, Chad and Benin Repbulic into the Nigerian border communities of Borno, Adamawa, Lagos, Oyo and Ogun States.

It disclosed that monthly, an estimated value of 200 trucks have been found to be distributed within the Nigerian markets in communities including Mubi, Gamboru’gala, Saki, Keshi, Badagry, and Idi – Iroko and sold for N32,000 -N 34,000 per bag.

It stated that the products are not registered by NAFDAC and are non-fortified with Vitamin A, therefore the illegal importation and marketing of the products poses a risk to the health of consumers, as the safety and quality of the products are not guaranteed.

It implores importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale and consumption of unregistered regulated products.

Also, it urged anyone in possession of the above-mentioned foreign unregistered sugar brand products to submit stock to the nearest NAFDAC office.

The agency added that anyone who may have consumed this product, or suffered any adverse reaction/event after consumption, should seek immediate medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional.