Abuja, FCT – The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public clarification regarding a recall of Indomie Instant Noodles Vegetable Flavour in France, emphasizing that the affected product does not originate from Nigeria and is not registered for sale in the country.

The announcement by the agency official X account @NafdacAgency, has sparked discussions among Nigerians about food safety and imported goods.

In the post shared on Monday, NAFDAC highlighted the French recall initiated by Rappel Conso, France's consumer product alert system, due to undeclared allergens specifically milk and eggs in the product's labeling.

These allergens pose potential health risks to individuals with allergies or intolerances, including severe reactions like anaphylaxis.

According to the official French recall notice on Rappel Conso's website, the product in question is branded as "Nouilles Instantanées Légumes" (Instant Vegetable Noodles) under the Indomie label, with a best-before date of February 6, 2026. The recall applies to all batches and advises consumers not to consume or use the product.

Distribution was limited to specific French departments, including Côte-d'Or (21), Doubs (25), Bas-Rhin (67), and Haut-Rhin (68), with no indication of widespread international export from the source.

The recall was first published in late August 2025, but NAFDAC's response appears timed to address recent media coverage and public inquiries in Nigeria.

In its press release, signed by Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, NAFDAC stated that the recalled noodles are not manufactured in Nigeria and are listed on the Federal Government's Import Prohibition List, making their entry into the country illegal.

The agency has intensified nationwide surveillance, directing zonal directors and state coordinators to mop up any instances of the product found in markets or ports.

"NAFDAC assures the public that all Indomie instant noodles and other noodle brands registered by NAFDAC for sale in Nigeria are manufactured locally and approved only after meeting stringent regulatory requirements, including compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)," the statement read.

Consumers were urged to remain vigilant, avoid unregistered products, and report suspicions to NAFDAC's toll-free line (0800-162-3322) or e-reporting platforms.Dufil Prima Foods, the licensed Nigerian manufacturer of Indomie products, echoed NAFDAC's stance in a separate statement.

The company clarified that no "Vegetable Flavour" variant exists in its Nigerian portfolio and that the recalled product's packaging does not match its approved branding or specifications.

"All Indomie noodles produced in Nigeria undergo strict quality control and are safe for consumption," Dufil Prima affirmed, distancing itself from the French recall, which it described as a precautionary measure unrelated to local operations.

The issue has drawn attention amid Nigeria's popularity of Indomie, an Indonesian-originated brand that has become a staple in many households.

Some reports noted public anxiety, with calls for consumers to check product origins and avoid substandard imports.

This incident follows previous Indomie-related alerts, including a 2022 recall in France for excessive ethylene oxide levels in certain flavors.

NAFDAC reiterated its commitment to public health, encouraging reports of adverse reactions via its official channels.

As of now, no confirmed cases of the recalled product entering Nigeria have been reported.