The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a warning to the public regarding the presence of unauthorized sugar that has been imported illegally from India and Brazil.
The agency has discovered that this illegal sugar is being imported and sold in markets located near border communities.
The specific brands of unauthorized sugar that have been identified are Usina Bela Vista S/a Sugar, manufactured in Brazil, and DCM Shriram Sugar, imported from India. These sugar products come in 50kg bags with a shelf life of 24 months (about 2 years).
The illegal importation of these sugar products is occurring through various routes, including Cameroun (Douala), Niger, Chad, and the Benin Republic, into Nigerian border communities such as Borno, Adamawa, Lagos, Oyo, and Ogun States.
NAFDAC has uncovered more than 200 trucks involved in the distribution of this illegal sugar within border communities and markets across Nigeria.
NAFDAC has emphasized that these unauthorized sugar products are not
registered by the agency and are not fortified with Vitamin A.
Therefore, they pose a significant risk to public health. Importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers are urged to exercise caution and vigilance, verifying the authenticity and physical condition of the products.
The agency warns that the safety and quality of these unregistered sugar products are not guaranteed.
Hence, NAFDAC implores those involved in the supply chain, including importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers, to avoid the importation, distribution, sale, and consumption of these illegal products. Anyone in possession of these unauthorized sugar brands is advised to submit their stock to the nearest NAFDAC office.
If you or someone you know has consumed these products or experienced any adverse reactions or events after consumption, it is crucial to seek immediate medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. NAFDAC is taking this matter seriously to protect public health and ensure the safety of the Nigerian market.