The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has activated emergency surveillance measures across Nigeria following the recall of Indomie Noodles Vegetable Flavour by French consumer safety authorities over undeclared allergens.
The regulatory agency clarified on Sunday that the recalled product did not originate from Nigeria and is not registered for sale in the country, but has nonetheless deployed officers to all zones and states to prevent any possibility of the implicated noodles entering Nigerian markets.
According to a statement signed by NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, the product was recalled by Rappel Conso, France’s consumer safety authority, due to the presence of undeclared allergens—specifically milk and eggs—which pose significant health risks to individuals with allergies or intolerances to these substances.
“The management of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control is aware of the recall of Indomie Noodles Vegetable Flavour by the French authority, Rappel Conso, on account of the presence of undeclared allergens, specifically milk and eggs, which may pose significant health risks to consumers with allergies or intolerances,” Adeyeye stated.
The agency has directed zonal directors and state coordinators nationwide to intensify monitoring activities and immediately remove the product from circulation if discovered within their jurisdictions. This proactive measure follows public concern after reports of the recall circulated online, prompting questions about whether the affected noodles had reached Nigerian shelves.
NAFDAC emphasised that the Indomie Noodles Vegetable Flavour variant implicated in the French recall is not registered with the agency for sale in Nigeria. Furthermore, the agency noted that noodles feature on the Federal Government’s Import Prohibition List, meaning their importation into the country is not permitted under current trade regulations.
“Surveillance has been directed across all zones and states, and zonal directors and state coordinators have been mandated to mop up the product if found within their jurisdictions,” the statement explained.
This development significantly reduces the likelihood of the recalled product entering the Nigerian market through official channels, though the agency remains vigilant about possible smuggling attempts or informal importation routes.
The agency stressed that all Indomie instant noodles and other noodle brands registered for sale in Nigeria are manufactured locally and undergo rigorous regulatory scrutiny. According to NAFDAC, these products are only approved after meeting strict standards covering all aspects of Good Manufacturing Practice, a quality assurance framework designed to ensure food safety.
NAFDAC’s Ports Inspection Directorate has been placed on heightened alert to prevent the importation of the implicated product through Nigeria’s land, sea, and air borders. This multi-layered approach reflects the agency’s determination to maintain the integrity of the country’s food supply chain.
The recall in France highlights the critical importance of proper allergen labelling on food products. Undeclared allergens represent a serious health hazard for consumers with specific food allergies or intolerances, potentially triggering severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis in extreme cases.
This is not the first time Indomie products have been subject to international food safety alerts. In 2023, Indomie Special Chicken Flavour was implicated in concerns raised by health authorities in Taiwan and Malaysia. At that time, NAFDAC conducted thorough investigations and assured Nigerians that all locally produced noodles were safe for consumption.
The agency has advised consumers to exercise caution and immediately discard the recalled product if found. Nigerians have been urged to report any suspicion of its sale or distribution to the nearest NAFDAC office or through the agency’s toll-free line, 0800-162-3322.
“Consumers are strongly advised to exercise caution, discard the recalled product if found, and report any suspicion of its sale or distribution to the nearest NAFDAC office or via the toll-free line, 0800-162-3322,” the statement noted.
Additionally, any adverse events or side effects related to consumption of suspect products should be reported through NAFDAC’s e-reporting platforms available on the agency’s website at www.nafdac.gov.ng. This reporting mechanism allows the agency to track potential food safety incidents and respond swiftly to protect public health.
The agency’s swift response demonstrates Nigeria’s evolving capacity to respond to international food safety alerts, even when products in question are not locally distributed. This proactive stance reflects growing awareness that in an interconnected global food system, regulatory vigilance must extend beyond national borders.
NAFDAC’s intervention also serves to protect Nigerians who travel abroad or purchase products through online platforms, where exposure to recalled items remains possible despite domestic safeguards.
The Federal Government’s Import Prohibition List, which includes noodles, was implemented to protect local manufacturing capacity and ensure that food products consumed in Nigeria meet domestic regulatory standards. This policy has encouraged the development of local production facilities, creating employment whilst maintaining quality control.
NAFDAC concluded its statement by reassuring the public of its commitment to safeguarding health. “NAFDAC wishes to reassure the public that the agency remains proactive in safeguarding public health, including Nigerians who may travel abroad or purchase products online,” the statement added.
