By Nkechi Eze
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a strong disclaimer refuting claims contained in a viral audio recording alleging that the agency had shut down the manufacturing facility of Tummy Tummy noodles in Anambra State and imposed a nationwide ban on tinned tomatoes and Maggi seasoning cubes.
In a statement released on Tuesday, July 23, 2025, NAFDAC described the audio as false, misleading, and entirely unsubstantiated, stressing that it had no connection to the contents of the recording.
The audio message, which has been recirculating on social media and messaging platforms, reportedly originated in October 2023 and has resurfaced in recent days, causing renewed public concern. In the recording, the speaker, falsely claiming affiliation with NAFDAC, alleged the presence of dangerous substances in Tummy Tummy noodles and asserted that the agency had ordered a facility shutdown.
NAFDAC has firmly denied these claims. “The Tummy Tummy noodles facility in Anambra State was not sealed,” the statement clarified. “A NAFDAC inspection team conducted an unscheduled visit to the facility, collected samples of four different noodle variants, and submitted them to the Agulu Laboratory for evaluation. The results returned satisfactory, with no infractions recorded.”
The agency also addressed the specific allegation that “acetyl methyl” was being used as a preservative in the noodles, labeling the claim as baseless and scientifically unfounded. According to NAFDAC, the original audio message was investigated thoroughly in 2023, and no regulatory breaches were discovered.
NAFDAC further recalled that following widespread concerns in 2023 regarding the potential presence of ethylene oxide in instant noodles, the agency launched a comprehensive investigation across both factory and market environments. “Our findings confirmed that ethylene oxide or its derivatives were NOT present in any instant noodles or seasoning products manufactured in Nigeria,” the agency affirmed.
Moreover, the statement confirmed that tests on mycotoxin levels and heavy metals in these products fell within internationally accepted safety limits, ensuring that locally produced noodles are safe for consumption. The agency also reassured the public that there is no ban on tinned tomatoes or Maggi seasoning cubes, contrary to the claims made in the viral message.
NAFDAC has called on Nigerians to disregard the misleading recording and urged members of the public to refrain from sharing unverified content capable of spreading panic or discrediting legitimate businesses.
“We remain proactive and committed to our mandate of safeguarding public health by ensuring that only safe, high-quality, and properly regulated food and drug products are available to Nigerians,” said NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, PhD, FAS.
The agency encouraged consumers to stay informed through official channels and reminded the public that the safety of food products remains a top priority under its regulatory oversight.
