NAFDAC sanctions 14 companies in Edo – Official

Most of the companies sanctioned included drug distribution outlets, pharmacy and patent medicine shops as well as food and cosmetic establishments.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, said it sanctioned 14 companies during the first quarter of the year in Edo.

The Unit Head of the agency in the state, David West, said this in an interview in Benin on Tuesday.

Mr. West said that most of the companies sanctioned included drug distribution outlet, pharmacy and patent medicine shops as well as food and cosmetic establishments.

“On the drug outlet, most of the drug distributors attracted sanctions because they were distributing controlled drugs such as Tramadol and banned drugs like Opthalidon.

“Food companies that were sanctioned were operating under poor hygiene practise.

“Sanctions were also slammed on companies that were producing cosmetics without authorisation from the agency.”

He said that a total of 14 companies that had marketing authorisation were registered and 30 surveillance activities were carried out during the period under review.

“During one of our surveillance visits, we went to some local government vaccine storage centres in the state to ensure that vaccines were kept well.

“We wanted to be sure that cold chain was maintained to prolong efficacy of the vaccine.

“We, however, noticed that equipment like generators and cool van that would promote good storage were lacking.”

Mr. West said that 150 pharmacovigilant and post-marketing activities were carried out during the same period to ensure that products remained the same way they were registered.

(NAN)