Pascal Arogorn Ibe
The National Agency for Food and Drug
Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has
cautioned Nigerians to stop the consumption
of an organic apple and blackcurrant
originating from Australia.
Prof. Moji Adeyeye, NAFDAC Director-General,
who disclosed this to the News Agency of
Nigeria (NAN), said the products had been
certified harmful for human consumption.
“The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of Hong
Kong’s Food and Environmental Hygiene
Department has warned against the
consumption of Pure Tassie Organic Apple
and Blackcurrant Juice originating from Australia.
“This was due to unacceptable level of patulin
(mycotoxin) which had exceeded the
maximum limit in fruit juice,” she said.
Adeyeye pointed out that the level of patulin
content in the affected fruit juice can induce
liver, spleen and kidney damage.
She added that the toxic level would affect
immune system and causes nausea,
gastrointestinal disturbance and vomiting.
She said that the name of the is Pure Tassie,
an organic apple and blackcurrant juice from
Australia.
The D-G implored importers, distributors,
retailers and consumers to immediately stop
the importation, distribution, sale and
consumption of the affected fruit juice.
She urged members of the public in
possession of the affected fruit juice to
submit stock to the nearest NAFDAC office.
She also called on healthcare professionals
and consumers to report adverse events or
side effects related to the use of this product
to the nearest NAFDAC office through
NAFDAC PRASCOR (20543 TOLL FREE from
all networks).
Adeyeye said the agency should be reached
through pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng or
via the NAFDAC ADR e-Reporting platform
available at www.nafdac.gov.ng. (NAN)
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