National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has seized expired baby wipes valued at approximately N42 million after uncovering a warehouse where the products were allegedly awaiting illegal revalidation and repackaging for sale to unsuspecting consumers.

The agency disclosed that the operation exposed a large-scale scheme involving expired baby wipes that had either been revalidated or were being prepared for the process before being returned to the market. It said the discovery underscored the dangers posed by unscrupulous operators who compromise public health by recirculating expired products.

In a statement posted on its official X account, NAFDAC said its officers found more than 240 cartons of expired baby wipes that had already been illegally revalidated and repackaged. The agency added that it also recovered about 20,000 additional expired baby wipes, equivalent to 625 cartons, which were awaiting revalidation at the warehouse.

According to the agency, one suspect was apprehended during the operation, while the warehouse was sealed to prevent further illegal activities. It added that all the expired products were evacuated for further investigation.

NAFDAC warned that the distribution and use of expired baby wipes pose serious health risks, particularly to infants and young children. It explained that the products could cause skin irritation, skin infections, allergic reactions, worsening of eczema or dermatitis, and an increased risk of diaper rash because the preservatives designed to inhibit microbial growth become less effective after expiry.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health by preventing unsafe and expired regulated products from reaching consumers. It also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and purchase regulated products only from reputable sources, while reporting any suspected cases of counterfeit or expired products to the appropriate authorities.

MEANWHILE, the agency has also called on Nigerians to renew their commitment to ensuring that every citizen has access to safe and wholesome food.

The Director General of the agency, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, made the call yesterday during the 2026 World Food Safety Day celebration in Lagos, themed “From Burden to Solutions – Safe Food Everywhere.”

World Food Safety Day was first observed in June 2019, marking a historic global commitment to making safe food an essential aspect of public health and sustainable development.

It was established by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2018, following a joint proposal by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the World Health Organisation (WHO), to raise awareness about the importance of food safety and to promote efforts that help prevent, detect, and manage foodborne risks.

Adeyeye, who was represented by the Director of Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (FSAN), Mrs Eva Edwards, said the agency remained fully committed to the global campaign for safer food and stronger food safety systems.

She noted that food safety was a fundamental human right and stressed the need for stronger collaboration among government institutions, industry players and consumers to protect public health.