Tag: NAFDAC

  • “Fake Malaria Drug Destroyed My Brother’s Kidney” — Family Cries Out Over Alleged Counterfeit Medication

    A Nigerian family has raised alarm over the growing circulation of alleged fake drugs after a young man reportedly developed severe kidney complications following malaria treatment.

    The emotional claim surfaced in a viral social media post accompanied by photos showing the victim receiving treatment in a hospital ward.

    “May God Punish Those Behind Fake Drugs”

    According to the family member who shared the post online, the victim allegedly reacted badly to malaria medication believed to be counterfeit.

    “This is my little brother. The malaria drug he was given led to his kidney issues. May God punish every single person involved in manufacturing fake drugs in Nigeria,” the relative wrote.

    The photos shared online showed the patient lying on a hospital bed connected to medical equipment believed to be used for dialysis and other emergency treatment procedures.

    Family Demands Stronger Regulation

    The family said the incident has left them devastated, calling on authorities to intensify efforts against fake and substandard drugs across the country.

    “This is heartbreaking. Nobody takes malaria drugs expecting to end up with kidney failure. We just want justice and stronger regulation so this doesn’t happen to another family,” the relative added.

    However, the family did not disclose the exact malaria medication involved, the hospital where the victim is receiving treatment, or when the incident occurred.

    Concerns Over Counterfeit Drugs

    The development has reignited concerns over the circulation of fake drugs in Nigeria, particularly medications used for common illnesses such as malaria.

    Health authorities, including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), have repeatedly warned Nigerians against buying drugs from unlicensed vendors and unverified pharmacies.

    Experts have also advised members of the public to seek treatment only from registered hospitals and pharmacies to reduce the risks linked to counterfeit medication.

    The viral post has continued to generate reactions online, with many Nigerians lamenting the dangers posed by fake drugs and calling for stricter enforcement against illegal drug manufacturers and distributors.

  • NAFDAC Clears BON Bread After Viral ‘Two-Month Freshness’ Controversy

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has declared BON Bread safe for consumption after completing investigations into viral claims that the bread stayed fresh for nearly two months without going mouldy.

    The agency said laboratory findings confirmed that the preservative used in the bread production was within approved safety limits and did not violate food safety regulations.

    Viral video triggers online controversy

    The controversy started on April 13, 2026, after a blogger identified as Love Dooshima shared a video expressing concern over a loaf of bread that allegedly remained fresh for almost two months.

    Although the blogger did not mention any brand, BON Bread’s manufacturer reportedly identified the product as theirs and denied the allegation.

    The incident quickly gained attention online and later led to a ₦50 million lawsuit against the blogger.

    Dooshima was also detained by the Nigeria Police Force on April 20 after honouring an invitation at the Zone 7 Police Headquarters in Abuja over allegations bordering on cyberstalking, fraud and mischief.

    She was later released after the intervention of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu.

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission also announced a probe into the matter.

    NAFDAC reveals findings

    NAFDAC Director-General Christianah Adeyeye disclosed the agency’s findings in a statement released on Sunday.

    “Though the complainant did not mention the brand or producer of the said bread, Food & Food Integrated Company Limited claimed that the said bread is produced by the company, and that the allegation was not true,” Adeyeye said.

    According to her, the agency launched investigations because of the public concerns generated online and the need to provide scientific clarification.

    She explained that NAFDAC officials inspected the company’s bakery in Abuja on April 20 and collected bread samples from both the production facility and the open market for laboratory analysis.

    “Investigation by the agency revealed that the company in question commenced bread production in the year 2006 and has successfully gone through several product license renewals without any penalties or recalls,” she stated.

    Bread met approved standards

    Adeyeye disclosed that laboratory analysis confirmed the use of calcium propionate as preservative and noted that the quantity used complied with international standards.

    “Laboratory findings revealed that calcium propionate was used as preservative, and that the amount of the preservative used was within the limits specified in Codex Alimentarius,” she said.

    She further explained that the analysed bread samples did not contain harmful substances, including bromate and non-nutritive sweeteners.

    “The bread samples analysed did not contain objectionable substances, including bromate and non-nutritive sweeteners,” she added.

    According to the NAFDAC boss, food manufacturers are allowed to use approved preservation methods provided they comply with globally accepted standards.

    “As a result of the foregoing, the public is hereby informed that the company is not in violation of any of the agency’s regulations,” she stated.

    NAFDAC advises Nigerians

    The agency also urged Nigerians to report concerns directly to NAFDAC instead of rushing to social media.

    “The public is implored to always visit any of the NAFDAC offices nationwide or use our different electronic handles, including the recently launched call centre to lay complaints before going to the social media,” Adeyeye said.