NAFDAC has flagged Aba’s Eziukwu Market as a hub for counterfeit drinks and beverages. During a recent raid, expired and adulterated products were uncovered, exposing the risks to public health. The agency is revisiting agreements with market leaders to curb these activities and protect consumers from unsafe products.
NAFDAC has flagged Aba’s Eziukwu Market as a hub for counterfeit drinks and beverages. During a recent raid, expired and adulterated products were uncovered, exposing the risks to public health. The agency is revisiting agreements with market leaders to curb these activities and protect consumers from unsafe products.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has identified Eziukwu Market, also known as Cemetery Market in Aba, Abia State, as a major hub for producing and distributing counterfeit drinks and beverages.
During an operation led by the Southeast Zonal Director, Martins Iluyomade, NAFDAC officials uncovered alarming quantities of fake and substandard products, including wines, whiskey, yogurt, carbonated drinks, dry gin, and chips. Many of these items were being produced in unsanitary conditions or re-labeled with new expiry dates.
Iluyomade expressed concern over the persistence of illegal activities in the market despite past enforcement actions, including a major raid in December 2023. He criticized the market's leadership for failing to honor a previous agreement to expose those involved in such operations.
Highlighting the health risks posed to consumers, Iluyomade likened the market's activities to "weapons of mass destruction." He emphasized the need for vigilance among consumers and urged them to verify the authenticity of products before purchase.
The raid also revealed that expired products were being revalidated for sale, posing severe risks to public health. NAFDAC has reiterated its commitment to holding market leaders accountable and intensifying surveillance to curb such activities.
