NAFDAC begins nationwide clampdown on uncertified herbal products

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says it has begun a nationwide clampdown on manufacturers and traders who sell uncertified herbal products describing them as dangerous.

The NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, told journalists in Abuja on Monday that most of the herbal medicines were in the form of snuff and oral liquids, which she said were mainly sold by street hawkers.

Prof. Adeyeye also disclosed that the manufacturer of a popular herbs known as Baban Aisha herbal medicine, Salisu Sani, has been arrested.

A Premium Times investigation had shown that the herbal product, which is said to cure common diseases, was unsafe for consumption.

The NAFDAC boss said the agency carried out surveillance and enforcement action leading to the sealing of the herbal medicine factory and the arrest of two staff.

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“We have commenced a nationwide mop-up of the sacra herbs in circulation. We have also intensified crackdown on all illegal manufacturers and distributors of herbal preparation and other unregistered preparations, with a view to bring perpetrators to book and minimize the usage of the substance,” she said.

“It will also not be out of place to put on record some other related enforcement actions carried out recently as it relates to illegal manufacture, importation, advertisement, and sale of unregistered herbal drugs. The Investigation and Enforcement Directorate of the Agency recently clamped down on some distributors of some herbal medicines- Hajia Ayisha Special Snuff AK 47.

“This was a result of intelligence report received by NAFDAC that these herbal medicines are mainly in the Northern part of Nigeria. Findings revealed that the herbal snuff were manufactured in Ghana and was approved for use as an analgesic by the Food and Drug Authority (FDA) of Ghana. But is being wrongly packaged and passed-off as a snuff for the Nigerian market.

“Investigation further revealed an alarming trend in the use of these poisonous preparations by wide section of the populace, cutting across all genders and age groups, including young boys and girls, men and married women, drivers and artisans.

“The snuff, popularly called ‘shake’ or “angoro” herbal powder comes under different street names, such as AK 47, moringa, black coffee (Dan Kano), magic powder, lufthansa and desert warrior.”

Adeyeye appealed to Nigerians to desist from the use of this dangerous herbal preparation.

“Be assured that NAFDAC is doing everything to ensure that only safe and efficacious medicine, wholesome food, and quality regulated products are sold and used by Nigerians,” she said.