In a decisive move against food adulteration, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has announced a major breakthrough in its war against counterfeit food products. Taking to its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the agency revealed the shutdown of eight rice shops and a warehouse in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
The operation, which targeted facilities involved in the production and distribution of counterfeit rice, uncovered a staggering stockpile of over 1,600 bags of fake rice. The illicit operation, valued at approximately ₦5 billion, represents one of the largest crackdowns on food counterfeiting in recent years.
According to NAFDAC, the discovery was the result of meticulous intelligence gathering and surveillance aimed at protecting consumers from the dangers of substandard and potentially harmful food products. The seized rice was found to be adulterated with unsafe substances, posing serious health risks to unsuspecting buyers.
NAFDAC’s Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, expressed outrage over the discovery, reiterating the agency’s zero-tolerance policy for food fraud. “This operation underscores NAFDAC’s commitment to safeguarding the health of Nigerians. Counterfeit food products are a threat to public health and safety, and we will continue to pursue perpetrators relentlessly,” she stated.
The closure of these facilities serves as a stern warning to others engaged in similar criminal activities. NAFDAC has vowed to intensify its efforts in tracking, apprehending, and prosecuting individuals and businesses involved in the illicit food trade.
Local authorities in Karu have commended NAFDAC’s swift action, emphasizing the importance of public vigilance in reporting suspicious activities. Meanwhile, residents have called on the government to strengthen regulations and ensure that food products meet safety standards.
As investigations continue, NAFDAC has reassured Nigerians that it will leave no stone unturned in its mission to protect the nation’s food supply. Consumers are urged to purchase food products only from trusted and reputable sources to avoid falling victim to counterfeit goods.
This crackdown serves as a stark reminder of the agency’s critical role in safeguarding public health and the need for collective efforts in the fight against food fraud.
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