The National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says thorough implementation of its core mandate of monitoring should not be considered as witch-hunting or fault finding.
The NAFDAC Director South-South zone, Pharmacist Chukwuma P. Oligbu, made the assertion while speaking as guest at the maiden Rivers state Supermarkets stakeholders’ Seminar/Workshop in Port Harcourt.
He said “NAFDAC’s inspection and monitoring activities should also be viewed through a constructive lens. Routine inspection are not merely fault-finding mission, they are opportunities for education, correction and continuous improvement.”
He maintained that Supermarket operators who maintain transparent records, cooperate during inspections, and promptly address identified gaps demonstrate professionalism and commitment to public health standard.
Pharm Oligbo pointed out the deserving essence of supermarket operation to include “the key aspects of supermarket operation that deserves emphasis is product sourcing.
“Supermarkets must ensure that all regulated products stocked on their shelves are duly registered with NAFDAC and sourced from legitimate manufacturers or distributors. The presence of unregistered, expired, counterfeit, or improper labelled products undermines consumer confidence and poses serious health risks. It also exposes supermarket operators to legal sanctions that could damage their reputation and financial stability”
He further enlightened them that mere registration of a particular product with NAFDAC does not guarantee absolute consumption safety.
“Every products that are properly registered can become unsafe if stored under poor condition. Temperature control, cleanliness, pest control, stock rotation, and proper shelving are not optional practice; they are essential components of compliance.
The South South zonal director told the operators of supermarket that their employees rotine training on the basis of the product they display for sale is of utmost importance.
“Another important are is staff training and awareness. Employees are front line custodians of compliance within Supermarkets, staff must be knowledgeable about basic regulatory requirements, such as checking expire dates, identifying NAFDAC registration numbers, and responding appropriately during inspections” Pharm. Oligbo asserted.
In her presentation a Breast Milk Nutrition Expert Professor Alice Nte of University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) who spoke on the regulations against giving prominence to breast milk substitute or baby milk in supermarkets and their advertisement or promotion in any form.
She highlighted the importance of mothers breast milk to the newborn baby; which among other things she said helps in fighting childhood diseases, infections and combating cancer in breastfeeding mothers.
Mrs. Riter Chukwuma, NAFDAC Deputy Director, South – South Zone educated the participants on the guidelines for global listing, and the need to adhere strictly to rules guiding global listing to avoid confiscation of their imported products.
