The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has raided a warehouse in the Apata community of Jos North LGA of Plateau State, over product alteration.
The raid led to the arrest of two suspects, Emma Nwobi and Yusuf Hassan, accused of altering the dates on expired products to deceive consumers.
The agency added the raid was part of it’s ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and quality of products in the market, especially during the upcoming festive period.
Speaking to journalists after the raid, North Central Zone Director of the organisation, Kenneth Azikiwe who led the operation
said, “We’re here today to address a concerning issue where some unscrupulous individuals are altering the dates on expired products to deceive consumers.
“They’re sold in small quantities to avoid suspicion. However, a consumer recently reported an issue, and our investigation led us to this facility”, he explained.
He further explained that the products including wines and hot drinks were cleaned with chemicals to remove the original expiry and manufacturing dates, and then re-labeled with new dates.
“We have two suspects in custody: Yusuf, who applied the altered dates, and the facility owner, who provided the labels. We’ve encountered similar cases before.
According to him, “Our team regularly checks markets, distributors, supermarkets, and sales outlets to ensure product safety.
“During this festive period, our Director General, The Director General of NAFDAC Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye. has directed us to be extra vigilant.
“We’re working to ensure all products are safe and of good quality,” he added
Azikiwe urged the public to be vigilant when purchasing products, especially regulated ones, and to check the manufacturing and expiry dates on the label, not the sticker.
Also speaking, State Coordinator of NAFDAC, Dr Obida Musa condemned the act, saying, “It is truly unfortunate to witness such reckless behaviour.
“It’s appalling and should be condemned by all well-meaning Nigerians.”
Musa advised the public to be cautious when buying products, especially, regulated ones, and to report any suspicious products to NAFDAC.
Speaking to journalists, one of the suspects, Yusuf Hassan, pleaded for leniency, saying he didn’t know the expiry date had been altered.
“I don’t usually sell Pure Heaven products, but customers kept asking for it. I told them I didn’t have it, and they kept pestering me. I mentioned this to Emma Nwobi, a supplier, and he said he had some in his store.
“He gave me the product, and I didn’t know the expiry date had been altered. The original date was 2020, but it was changed to 2027. I didn’t realize it was expired.
“I buy from Mr Emma Nwobi and sell to people around me. I don’t have a shop, I just supply products to various places.
“I’m pleading for leniency, as I’ve never done this before.”.
DAILYPOST reports that NAFDAC is currently leading a nationwide operation to rid the country of unregistered, expired falsified or banned products which have continued to pose health risks to the citizenry.
