The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control (NAFDAC) has closed two vegetable oil packaging retail outlets in Ilorin.
NAFDAC classified the outlet as unregistered that has sold more than 2.2 million litres of what it called unverified vegetable oil to the public.
Mrs. Roselyn Ajayi, Kwara coordinator of NAFDAC, said on Wednesday in Ilorin that the closure was preceded by a tip-off that led to the discovery of the outlets which are located at Adabata and Stadium Road, Ilorin.
“We were tipped off by some concerned citizens and we investigated and found out that the individuals were engaged in packaging and selling vegetable oil whose sources are unverifiable.
“Investigation revealed that one of the marketers acquired more than 2.2 million litres of unverified vegetable oil and selling it to the public; those involved were caught packaging and placing labels of unregistered brands on the product,” she said.
The NAFDAC coordinator stated that the source of the vegetable oil could not be verified even though the labels suggested that they were manufactured in Malaysia.
Ajayi said those involved had been arrested, the facilities had been locked and the agency would take appropriate regulatory sanctions on individuals found guilty of violating the laws.
Ajayi assured the public that efforts were continually on to ensure safety, quality and wholesomeness of processed foods through regular routine monitoring of production.
She said it had become imperative for the public to always ensure that any packaged foods and drugs they would buy should be with NAFDAC-approved label.
The coordinator, however, observed that some individuals would go as far as faking NAFDAC registration numbers, noting that any product that “is registered by NAFDAC will also carry the registration number.”
Ajayi noted that the perpetrators took the advantage of COVID-19 pandemic situation to engage in the unwholesome practice to produce and sell unregistered products in the state by thinking that the agency had reduced its routine and surveillance activities. (NAN)
