NAFDAC WILL TEST INDOMIE NOODLES, BUT IMPORTATION IS ALREADY PROHIBITED

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has said that it will investigate claims that a cancer-causing ingredient was identified in Indomie noodles.

Malaysian and Taiwanese health inspectors say they found ethylene oxide, a chemical, in Indomie's "special chicken" flavor noodles.

Ethylene oxide is a colorless, odorless gas used to sterilize medical devices and spices and is suspected of causing cancer.

The product has since been recalled in both countries.

NAFDAC Director-General Mojisola Adeyeye stated that the agency would begin random sample testing of the noodles and other brands on May 2.

Adeyeye told reporters on Monday that the NAFDAC began investigating after learning of the product recalls by Taiwan and Malaysia officials.

"Tomorrow, May 2, 2023, NAFDAC's food safety and applied nutrition directorate will randomly sample Indomie noodles (including the seasoning) from the production facilities, while the post marketing surveillance directorate (will) samples from the markets," she explained.

"Because the compound of interest is ethylene oxide, the director of food lab services has been contacted." He is focusing on the analysis methodology."