The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised a public alert over large quantities of counterfeit imported “Pur” tomato paste recovered in Onitsha, Anambra State.
According to the Agency, the fake products were discovered during surveillance activities in major markets in Onitsha, where they were found being distributed in large volumes to unsuspecting consumers and retailers.
NAFDAC disclosed that investigations revealed a dangerous deceptive tactic used by the counterfeiters to gain consumer trust.
Fake NAFDAC Number
The counterfeit “Pur” tomato paste bears a NAFDAC registration number that does not belong to tomato paste at all.
The number displayed on the fake product was verified to belong to an entirely unrelated sachet water brand. This was done deliberately to make the product appear genuine and NAFDAC-certified.
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👉 JOIN GISTSMATE WHATSAPP CHANNELProhibited Import:
The products are illegally imported. The Federal Government prohibits the importation of tinned and canned tomato paste to encourage local production and protect local manufacturers.
Any foreign-branded canned tomato paste found in circulation is therefore considered smuggled and unregulated.
Health and Safety Risk:
NAFDAC warned that such unregulated and counterfeit tomato pastes did not undergo safety evaluation, quality control, or good manufacturing practice checks.
They may contain unverified fillers, excessive starch, artificial colouring, preservatives and other adulterants that pose serious health risks, including food poisoning, allergic reactions and long-term organ damage.
Consumer Advisory:
The Agency has urged Nigerians, especially traders, caterers and households in the South-East, to be extremely vigilant.
– Do not trust a product simply because it carries a NAFDAC number on the pack. Counterfeiters now clone numbers.
– Verify all NAFDAC registration numbers using the official NAFDAC verification platforms – NAFDAC Mobile App (Greenbook), or on http://www.nafdac.gov.ng
– Report suspicious products, shops or distributors to the nearest NAFDAC office or via NAFDAC hotlines: 0909-763-0506, 0909-763-0507.
NAFDAC said it has commenced mop-up operations in Onitsha and will extend surveillance to other markets nationwide, adding that persons behind the importation and distribution of the fake products will be prosecuted.
The Agency reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public health and protecting local tomato paste manufacturers from unfair competition by smugglers.
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