NAFDAC confirms Flour Mills of Nigeria’s Semovita contains no plastic material
NIGERIA- The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) recently issued a statement clarifying that its scientific analysis found no evidence of plastic material in Flour Mills of Nigeria PLC’s Golden Penny Semovita.
The analysis was conducted in response to claims made in a viral social media video where a woman alleged finding plastic residue after sieving the Semovita.
Made from high-quality premium wheat, Semovita is nutritious, healthy, and aids digestion. It is a popular dish in Nigeria, owing to its versatility and ease of preparation.
According to the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, upon receiving alerts regarding the issue, she instructed emergency post-marketing analysis to be conducted on various brands of Semovita.
Rigorous analytical testing was carried out in NAFDAC’s internationally-accredited laboratories.
The analysis conclusively determined that Golden Penny Semovita, a popular brand of Semolina made from wheat, does not contain plastic or any harmful contaminants.
It was found to contain the expected components and the required Vitamin A.
Prof Adeyeye emphasized that the plastic-like appearance observed in the viral video was due to the presence of gluten, a protein that imparts viscoelastic properties to the product.
Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc, the registered company that manufactures Golden Penny Semovita, has obtained marketing authorization from NAFDAC after tests to confirm the safety of their products.
Additionally, the company’s operations adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and relevant Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS).
NAFDAC assures the public that all registered Semolina products, including Golden Penny Semovita, are safe for consumption, having undergone rigorous regulatory scrutiny and compliance.
While addressing concerns through social media, NAFDAC urged the public to exercise discretion and avoid spreading panic or misinformation.
However, members of the public who have similar suspicions or observations are encouraged to contact their nearest NAFDAC office for appropriate guidance and assistance.
Misinformation and rumors regarding food products can be detrimental to public health and the reputation of manufacturers, necessitating swift and evidence-based investigations.
NAFDAC’s findings reinforce the importance of relying on scientific analysis and approved regulatory processes to assess the safety and quality of food products.
For all the latest grains industry news from Africa, the Middle East and the World, subscribe to our weekly NEWSLETTERS, follow us on LinkedIn and subscribe to our YouTube channel
