The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has refuted claims circulating in a viral audio message alleging the shutdown of the Tummy Tummy noodles facility in Anambra State and a ban on tinned tomatoes and Maggi seasoning cubes.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by NAFDAC’s Resident Media Consultant, Sayo Akintola, the Director General of the agency, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, described the contents of the audio as “false and misleading,” adding that the agency “categorically disclaims the contents of this recording and dissociates itself from it in its entirety.”

According to Prof. Adeyeye, the same audio message had previously surfaced in October 2023 and was subjected to a thorough investigation. She said the agency’s inspection team had conducted an unannounced visit to the Tummy Tummy facility and collected samples of four different noodle variants for laboratory testing.

“The results returned satisfactory, with no infractions recorded,” she stated.

Prof. Adeyeye also rejected the claim that the company used “acetyl methyl” as a preservative, describing the allegation as unfounded. “NAFDAC found no evidence to support the claims and reiterates that the company was not in violation of any safety or regulatory standards,” she said.

Responding to wider concerns over food safety, the NAFDAC boss recalled that the agency had investigated reports in 2023 about ethylene oxide in instant noodles. She explained that a comprehensive analysis was conducted at both factory and market levels.

“Findings confirmed that ethylene oxide or its derivative was not present in any instant noodles or seasonings produced in Nigeria. Additionally, mycotoxin levels and heavy metals were within internationally acceptable limits, confirming the safety of Nigerian-made noodles,” she said.

Prof. Adeyeye emphasized that there is no ban on tinned tomatoes or Maggi seasoning cubes, warning the public against spreading misinformation. “We urge the public to disregard the misleading audio and refrain from spreading unverified content,” she said.

She reaffirmed NAFDAC’s commitment to protecting public health and ensuring that food and drug products in Nigeria meet global safety and quality standards.