As the festive season approaches, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a warning to Nigerians about the dangers of consuming fake and adulterated drinks, which are more likely to appear during the Yuletide period.
The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Moji Adeyeye, shared this warning during her appearance at the News Agency of Nigeria Forum in Abuja. She stressed that counterfeit drinks, food and medicines pose serious health risks, including adverse effects on health or even death.
Adeyeye specifically advised Nigerians to avoid buying medicines from unregulated sources, such as roadside drug stores or hawkers. “Do not buy medicines from corner stores, kiosks or street vendors. Always purchase from a certified pharmacy,” she urged. She acknowledged the financial difficulties many Nigerians face but emphasized that it is not worth compromising health by opting for cheaper, unregulated alternatives. “It might cost more to buy from a pharmacy, but it is safer. Cheap, fake products can cause harm and even be fatal,” she added.
In addition to the warnings about counterfeit drinks, NAFDAC also cautioned bakeries against using harmful substances like saccharin and bromate in bread production. The agency warned that bakeries caught using these substances would face strict penalties.