From Anthony Nwachukwu, Lagos
A couple of weeks ago, the world was alerted to the cancer threat from the consumption of noodles following the discovery by Malaysian and Taiwanese authorities of the compound, ethylene oxide, in the “Indomie Special Chicken” flavour produced in that country.
Jolted by the news, and with Nigeria a major producer, consumer and exporter of noodles, including the Indomie Instant Noodles brand, and the potential health and economic implications of such possibilities, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) promptly swung into action.
Soon afterwards, it clarified that the local brands do not have ethylene oxide – the colourless, odourless gas used to sterilise medical devices and spices. It assured, however, that it would further investigate all noodles produced in the country to ensure the safety of all ingredients used.
The NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, who explained that the brand in question is imported and not registered in Nigeria, recalled that years before she even assumed office, “foreign noodles have been banned from entering the country by the Nigerian Government.
Restating the extant ban, Adeyeye noted that it remained “on the Nigeria Customs Service import prohibition list, and this is to encourage local production of noodles and backward integration of the economy.”
Further to the NAFDAC position, the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), which is responsible for researching, preventing and treating cancer in Nigeria, also stated that locally produced noodles would only be harmful if ethylene oxide was used in the production.
According to NICRAT Director-General, Usman Aliyu, noodles made in Nigeria remain safe to consume, unless NAFDAC investigation reveals the existence of the cancer-causing ethylene-oxide in them.
“NICRAT is concerned that if the Nigeria-made noodles contain ethylene oxide, then Nigerians should expect those noodle brands to be flagged as cancer-causing. But this also depends on how long consumers have consumed that brand,” he stated.
These relevant agencies’ interventions have begun to douse tensions, even as the enlightened public becomes more careful with the brands they patronise. However, for Dufil Prima Foods Plc – the Nigerian owner of the popular brand, Indomie Instant Noodles, this remains concerning because of the commonness of the brand name being indicted.
A member of the Manufacturers’ Association of Nigeria (MAN), Dufil not only services the local market, where it has carved an unshaken niche for itself since it began production about 25 years ago, it also exports the product. This means that the backlash from the ongoing generalisation could equally affect the Nigerian economy, from which many manufacturing companies have already exited due to the harsh operating environment.
Unfortunately, the Indomie brand, which controls about 60 per cent of the Nigerian noodles market, is being smeared with the odium of the cancer-prone Indomie Special Chicken” flavour found in Taiwan, with all now generally referred to as “Indomie Noodles,” and with its consequent de-marketing due to consumer-ignorance.
However, Dufil says it does not produce Indomie Special Chicken flavour. According to the Group Corporate Communications and Event Manager, Tope Ashiwaju, the company remains committed to international best manufacturing processes, and the quality in every pack of instant noodles produced in all our factories in Nigeria is non-negotiable.
“We adhere strictly to the standard procedures set by the NAFDAC and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria in all our manufacturing processes,” he said. “Indomie Instant Noodles undergo rigorous quality control measures at every stage of production and have been highly rated and certified by the International Standards Organisation (ISO).
“Our state-of-the-art production lines ensure minimal human interaction throughout the production process, thereby guaranteeing top-quality products that are safe for consumption.
“We use only the finest ingredients, sourced from reputable suppliers, and our production facilities are regularly inspected and audited to ensure that they meet the highest standards.”