The Federal Government of Nigeria is closely monitoring the recall of Indomie’s special chicken flavor noodles by the authorities in Malaysia and Taiwan. The two Asian countries took action after detecting ethylene oxide in the product, a substance known to cause cancer. Ethylene oxide, a colorless and odorless gas, is used to sterilize medical devices, spices, and is sometimes used as a pesticide.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has announced that it will be conducting a nationwide investigation into Indomie noodles. Director General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, revealed that from May 2, the agency will test selected packs of Indomie noodles.
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“We plan to randomly sample Indomie noodles (including the seasoning) from the production facilities while PMS samples from the markets. The compound of interest is ethylene oxide. The director (Lab Services) is working on the methodology for the analysis,” Adeyeye added.
The health department in Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, detected ethylene oxide in two types of instant noodles, including the chicken flavour, following random inspections. A statement by the Taipei City Health Bureau insists that raw materials and products used by companies must comply with food safety and health management.
Similarly, the health ministry in Malaysia said it examined 36 samples of instant noodles from different brands since 2022 and found that 11 samples contained ethylene oxide.
Indonesia-based Indofoods, the maker of Indomie instant noodles, has denied the allegations, assuring that its products are made in safe conditions.
The news of the recall has caused concern among Nigerians, who are one of the largest consumers of Indomie noodles in the world. The product is popular among Nigerians due to its affordability and convenience.
According to a report by Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics, the country imported N39.9 billion worth of instant noodles in 2020. The report also revealed that Indomie is the most popular brand of instant noodles in Nigeria, accounting for over 74% of the market share.
The recall of Indomie noodles in Malaysia and Taiwan has raised questions about the safety of the product in Nigeria. Some Nigerians have taken to social media to express their concerns, calling for the government to take action to protect consumers.
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In response to the concerns, the Director General of NAFDAC, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, assured Nigerians that the agency is taking the matter seriously.
“We are aware of the situation and are monitoring it closely. We will take all necessary steps to protect Nigerian consumers and ensure that they have access to safe and wholesome food,” Adeyeye said.
She also urged Nigerians to be vigilant and report any suspected cases of food contamination to NAFDAC.
The recall of Indomie noodles in Malaysia and Taiwan is a wake-up call for the Nigerian government to take food safety more seriously. The government should invest in the development of a robust food safety system that will protect consumers from harmful substances and ensure that only safe and wholesome food products are sold in the country.
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The government should also increase the capacity of regulatory agencies such as NAFDAC to effectively monitor and enforce food safety regulations. This will require more funding and resources for these agencies, as well as training and capacity building for their staff.
In addition, the government should encourage local food manufacturers to adopt best practices in food safety and quality control. This can be done through the provision of incentives and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the food industry.
The recall of Indomie noodles in Malaysia and Taiwan is a warning to the Nigerian government and consumers that food safety is a critical issue that cannot be ignored. The government must take action to protect the health and well-being of Nigerians by ensuring that only
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