The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration (NAFDAC) has rebutted a recent research finding circulating on social media, asserting that the claim that nearly all paracetamol tablets sold in Nigeria are under-dosed is misleading. NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, issued a statement on Monday, characterizing the scientific basis of the finding as questionable,leadership report.
Prof. Adeyeye clarified that, in accordance with NAFDAC’s commitment to a quality culture, a survey of the market was promptly initiated and samples were collected for testing as soon as the agency became aware of the news. She disclosed that she had engaged with the leadership of the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Group of the Manufacturing Association of Nigeria (MAN) to communicate NAFDAC’s intent.
Emphasizing NAFDAC’s adherence to international standards, Prof. Adeyeye stated, “NAFDAC’s laboratories are ISO 17025-certified every year to ensure that the procedures used for testing are based on international standards and the equipment or instruments used are qualified similarly.” She highlighted the agency’s routine post-marketing surveys to uphold quality and safety standards, adding that any deviation results in public alerts or recalls.
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Prof. Adeyeye reassured the public that NAFDAC employs international standards and scientific methods in surveying paracetamol products. Samples are collected nationwide, tested using calibrated state-of-the-art equipment, and analyzed with official monographs from reputable pharmacopeias.
The statement emphasized NAFDAC’s possession of five ISO-17025 Laboratories nationwide and a WHO Prequalified Laboratory in Yaba, Lagos, where medicines undergo rigorous testing for quality and safety. Prof. Adeyeye pledged to keep the public informed once the laboratory testing is completed, underscoring NAFDAC’s commitment to safeguarding the health of the nation.
