NAFDAC Launches Investigation into Paracetamol Quality Amidst Controversial Research

The National Agency for Food and Drug and Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is intensifying efforts to assess the quality of paracetamol brands available in Nigeria, responding to recent viral reports suggesting potential issues with under-dosing in nearly all paracetamol tablets sold in the country.

In a statement released on Monday, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of NAFDAC, dismissed the research findings as misleading and questionable in terms of scientific validity. Adeyeye highlighted the agency’s commitment to maintaining high standards and promptly initiated a market survey to sample and test various paracetamol brands across the nation.

The Director-General, emphasizing NAFDAC’s dedication to international standards, revealed that the agency had engaged with the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Group of the Manufacturing Association of Nigeria (PMG-MAN) to keep them informed of the investigation.

Titled “Nearly all paracetamol tablets in Nigeria are possibly under-dosed: Initial NAFDAC response,” the statement assured the public that NAFDAC’s laboratories undergo annual ISO 17025 certification, ensuring adherence to international testing standards. Adeyeye emphasized the use of well-calibrated and qualified state-of-the-art equipment during the testing process.

“We want to reiterate that NAFDAC has five ISO-17025 Laboratories across the country, and a WHO Prequalified Laboratory at Yaba Lagos where medicines are tested for quality and safety,” Adeyeye stated.

The Director-General emphasized the agency’s commitment to post-marketing surveillance, ensuring the continuous monitoring of medicines throughout their life cycle to guarantee quality and safety. NAFDAC, recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a stable and well-functioning agency, aims to keep the public informed with updates on the laboratory testing process once completed.