The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has intercepted and confiscated expired non-alcoholic beverages worth N35 million in Kaduna State, following a timely tip-off from a concerned citizen.
Addressing journalists in Kaduna on Tuesday, Andrew Tamanuwa, Deputy Director of the Investigation and Enforcement Directorate at NAFDAC’s Kaduna office, said the agency acted swiftly after receiving information about vehicles transporting expired drinks.
According to Tamanuwa, the alert came in on Sunday evening, reporting that two buses and a Golf wagon were loaded with expired beverages en route to Kwanar Dangora in Kiru Local Government Area of Kano State.
“NAFDAC operatives immediately swung into action. We intercepted the vehicles and arrested the individual in possession of the products,” he stated.
The initial operation led to the confiscation of 700 packs of Schweppes and 300 packs of Fanta Orange.
However, further investigations led NAFDAC to a warehouse on Bayajidda Road in Kaduna, where a larger stash of expired products was uncovered.
Among the items discovered at the warehouse were:
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588 packs of Schweppes
3,508 packs of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar
87 packs of Fanta Orange
Tamanuwa confirmed that the seized beverages had all expired in November 2024 and have since been transported to NAFDAC’s warehouse, where they await destruction.
He stressed that investigations are ongoing to identify other individuals connected to the distribution network and warned that NAFDAC will continue to clamp down on those endangering public health.
“This is a festive period, and we are appealing to Nigerians to remain vigilant. Report any suspicious or expired products. Your action could save lives,” Tamanuwa urged.
He reaffirmed NAFDAC’s unwavering commitment to protecting consumers and ensuring only safe, quality products remain on the shelves across the country.