From Chuma Austin,
Enugu
Determined to stop the use of fake and adulterated drugs in the country, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has seized counterfeit cosmetic products worth over N4.197m in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital.
Reports have it that the Agency also sealed up 15 shops involved in the unwholesome cosmetic product in Margaret Umahi International Market in Abakaliki metropolis.
Speaking to newsmen after the raid, the leader of NAFDAC Enforcement from Lagos, Mr. Moses Darie, said that using such harmful body cream, which is not registered with NAFDAC, constitute a negative health implication for Nigerians.
Darie, Chief Regulatory Officer, also blamed other traders in the market “for shielding and not exposing’’ the nefarious activities of those that deal on the unwholesome cosmetic product.
According to him, such cream constitutes health hazards like cancer, kidney and liver diseases. “I urge every member of the public to be partners in the fight against fake, sub-standard, unwholesome, adulterated and unregistered drugs, cosmetics and food products. “We are still warning that Nigerians should never patronize any product without NAFDAC Registration Number; no matter how good the promoters say such a product is.
“NAFDAC will continue its aggressive fight against importation of unwholesome and unregistered products into the country,’’ he said, adding that NAFDAC would first ensure that the unwholesome cosmetic product is totally mopped up and no public access to it anywhere in the country; while other actions would be taken on the matter.