NAFDAC raids warehouse, arrests two over altered expiry dates in Plateau

Officials of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control have raided a warehouse in the Apata community of Jos, Plateau State, over product expiry date alteration, leading to the arrest of two suspects.

The raid, carried out between Friday and Saturday, was part of NAFDAC’s ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and quality of products in the market, especially during the festive period.

The Director of NAFDAC, North Central Zone, Kenneth Azikiwe, who led the operation, said, “We’re here today to address a concerning issue where some unscrupulous individuals are altering the dates on expired products to deceive consumers. They’re sold in small quantities to avoid suspicion. However, a consumer recently reported an issue, and our investigation led us to this facility.”

Azikiwe explained that the products, including wines and hot drinks, were cleaned with chemicals to remove the original expiry and manufacturing dates, and then relabeled with new ones.

He said the two suspects, Yusuf Hassan and Emma Nwobi, were arrested for allegedly altering the dates on expired products, while more suspects were being sought.

“We have two suspects in custody: Yusuf, who applied the altered dates, and the facility owner, who provided the labels. We’ve encountered similar cases before. Our team regularly checks markets, distributors, supermarkets, and sales outlets to ensure product safety.

“During this festive period, our Director General, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, has directed us to be extra vigilant. We’re working to ensure all products are safe and of good quality,” he added.

Azikiwe urged the public to be vigilant when purchasing products, especially regulated ones, and to check the manufacturing and expiry dates on the label, not on any sticker.

The State Coordinator of NAFDAC in Plateau State, Dr Obida Musa, condemned the act, saying, “It’s truly unfortunate to witness such reckless behaviour from these criminals. It’s appalling and should be condemned by all well-meaning Nigerians.”

Musa advised the public to be cautious when buying products, especially regulated ones, and to report any suspicious products to NAFDAC.

One of the suspects, Yusuf Hassan, pleaded for leniency, saying he didn’t know the expiry date had been altered.

He claimed he was only a supplier and didn’t intentionally try to deceive anyone.

Hassan said, “I don’t usually sell Pure Heaven products, but customers kept asking for it. I told them I didn’t have it, and they kept pestering me. I mentioned this to Emma Nwobi, a supplier, and he said he had some in his store.

“He gave me the product, and I didn’t know the expiry date had been altered. The original date was 2020, but it was changed to 2027. I didn’t realise it had expired.

“I buy from Mr Emma Nwobi and sell to people around me. I don’t have a shop; I just supply products to various places. I’m pleading for leniency, as I’ve never done this before.”

Our correspondent reports that NAFDAC is currently leading nationwide operations to rid the country of unregistered, expired, falsified, or banned products, which have continued to pose health risks to citizens.

The recent enforcement of the operation in three open drug markets — Idumota, Aba, and Onitsha — led to the evacuation of such products worth more than one trillion naira.

Source: Punch