By Huldah Shado
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has seized expired non-alcoholic beverages valued at N35 million in Kaduna State.
The operation followed a tip-off from a concerned citizen who alerted the agency about the movement of expired drinks.
According to Andrew Tamanuwa, Deputy Director of NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, operatives intercepted two buses and a Golf wagon transporting expired products; 700 packs of Schweppes and 300 packs of Fanta Orange-en route to Kano.
A follow-up investigation led to the discovery of a warehouse on Bayajidda Road, Kaduna, where more expired products were uncovered.
Items seized from the facility included 588 packs of Schweppes, 3,508 packs of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, and 87 packs of Fanta Orange.
All the confiscated products had expired in November 2024 and were transported to NAFDAC’s facility for destruction.
Tamanuwa confirmed that the owner of the expired beverages has been arrested, and investigations are ongoing to identify other individuals involved in the illegal distribution network.
NAFDAC urged the public to remain vigilant and to report suspicious products, especially during the festive season, in order to safeguard public health.
