By Charles Pemu 
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued an urgent public health alert following a global recall of Indomie Vegetable Flavour noodles. The recall, identified as Public Alert No. 041/2025, was triggered after international food safety authorities discovered undeclared milk and egg allergens in the product. These hidden ingredients pose a significant risk of severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, for consumers with specific food intolerances or allergies.
The notification originated from France’s food safety authority, Rappel Conso, which flagged all batches of the vegetable-flavoured variant with a best-before date of February 6, 2026. While the primary recall is centered in the European market, NAFDAC has activated its nationwide surveillance systems to prevent any potential circulation of the affected product within Nigeria.
Although the Federal Government maintains a long-standing ban on the importation of instant noodles to protect local manufacturers, NAFDAC Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye emphasized that the risk of “illicit entry” through informal channels cannot be overlooked. The agency noted that products can often enter the domestic market through online international marketplaces or as personal luggage from travelers.
To mitigate this risk, NAFDAC has directed all zonal directors and state coordinators to initiate a comprehensive “mop-up” operation. Surveillance teams are now monitoring major distribution hubs and retail outlets to ensure that any foreign-labeled Indomie Vegetable Flavour noodles are immediately seized and removed from the supply chain.
The agency’s warning specifically targets the vulnerability of the Nigerian household, where noodles are a staple food due to their affordability and ease of preparation. The presence of milk and eggs—proteins that must be clearly disclosed under international and Nigerian labeling standards—can cause immediate adverse health events ranging from hives and swelling to life-threatening respiratory distress in allergic individuals.
[Graphic showing the difference between locally produced NAFDAC-certified Indomie and the recalled foreign variant]
Indomie Nigeria, produced by Dufil Prima Foods, has clarified in response to the alert that the recalled “Vegetable Flavour” variant is not produced, distributed, or sold by its local factories. The company reassured consumers that its locally manufactured products adhere to strict NAFDAC-approved formulations and are safe for consumption.
NAFDAC has urged distributors, retailers, and consumers to exercise extreme caution and verify the origin of any noodle products in their possession. The agency advises anyone who encounters the recalled foreign brand to discard it immediately rather than consuming it.
Members of the public are encouraged to report any sightings of the product to the nearest NAFDAC office or through the agency’s official toll-free line. Furthermore, any adverse reactions suspected to be linked to the consumption of these noodles should be reported via the NAFDAC e-reporting platform to assist in ongoing safety monitoring efforts.