The PTML Area Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a 40-foot container of expired food items imported into the country from Europe.
Addressing newsmen at the command yesterday, Controller of the Command, Comptroller Talatu Isa said it was discovered during physical examination that 672 out of the 1, 268 cartons and 899 packages of food items in the conatiner expired since December 2014 while others would expire February 19th 2015.
She said a DAF truck with chassis number 149110 was also discovered to be containing two pallets of body lotion made up of 752 pieces. She said the lotion
did not carry manufacture and expiration dates.
All the items seized are the types usually sold in Nigerian supermarket and bought by the rich and middle class.
Handing over the food items to the Deputy Director, Port Inspection Directorate of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dennis Nwosu; Isa said, “This is an act of wickedness by who must have imported these food items. We are always ready for those out there still thinking about it, they should think twice because I will be ready to seize and even prosecute. You are therefore warned to keep off PTML and other Customs formation.
“Nigerians are not known to be consuming expired items and Customs is at its best ready to arrest and prosecute whoever is caught involving in such act,”
She said the agent arrested in connection with the seizure has been granted bail pending conclusion of investigation.
She thanked NAFDAC for its collaboration in ensuring that dangerous and expired items do not find their way into the Nigerian markets even as she assured genuine importers of a conducive environment to carry out their legitimate businesses.
Responding, Nwosu said the food items would be moved to the agency’s office where it will take all necessary regulatory actions required to ensure that the products do not enter the market.
Some of the food items include corn flakes, natural animal crackers biscuit and snack packs among others.
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