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Breaking! NAFDAC Storms Enugu Market - 
Seals Fake Alcohol Shops, Advise Nigerians on Food Storage

By Adedayo Osho 

Almost 100 shops have been closed down at Ogbete Main Market, Enugu, for allegedly selling suspected adulterated alcoholic beverages. 

A recent raid geared at checkmating activities of illegal manufacturers by the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration, and Control (NAFDAC), led to the detectiony.

During the operation, NAFDAC also seized a truckload of fake products and arrested four individuals suspected to be involved in the illicit trade.

Martins Iluyomade, Director of NAFDAC's South-East Zone, announced on Monday 1st of July, that the detained suspects would face charges upon completion of investigations.

He said the crackdown was part of NAFDAC's mission to protect public health and eliminate substandard and fake products from circulation in the South-East.

Iluuomade said "We conducted a thorough operation at the busy Ogbete Main Market in Enugu State starting from Friday, resulting in the closure of 100 shops identified for selling counterfeit alcoholic beverages."

He disclosed that arrests were made, and the suspects are currently in custody.

He added that "These fake wines and alcoholic beverages pose a serious risk to unsuspecting consumers and the general public, but we are committed to cleansing the market of such harmful products."

It was a joint task foce operation carried out in collaboration with the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigerian Army, all of whom contributed personnel to ensure the raid was well-coordinated and successful.

NAFDAC's Warning to Nigerian Public:

In a related development, head of NAFDAC, Moji Adeyeye, advised the Nigerian public in a statement in commemoration of the 2024 World Food Safety Day tagged: 'Food Safety: Prepare for the Unexpected' on Tuesday 2nd of July, to avoid storing cooked food in the refrigerator for more than three days. 

She warned that cooked food stored for too long can become contaminated with harmful pathogens, leading to foodborne diseases that can be fatal.

This warning is aimed at promoting food safety and preventing food-related illnesses.

The agency stated it was essential to handle and store food properly to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. 

"Cooked food should be refrigerated promptly and consumed within a safe timeframe to avoid food-borne diseases," Adeyeye advised.