[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug and Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has ordered a market survey to sample and test paracetamol brands in Nigeria.
According to recent investigations, nearly all of the paracetamol tablets sold in Nigeria fall short of the requirements specified by the British Pharmacopoeia and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Samples from five different brands, all purportedly containing 500mg, were found to have concentrations ranging from 185mg to 358mg, significantly below the recommended limit.
She, however, directed a market survey to sample and carry out a laboratory test of paracetamol brands across the country.
“The laboratories test medicines using official monographs of British Pharmacopeia, United States Pharmacopoeia, and International Pharmacopoeia.
“As soon as we finish the laboratory testing, we will update the public. NAFDAC wishes to reassure the public that the agency is very vigilant in her responsibilities in safeguarding the health of the nation.
“It is on this basis that NAFDAC has been recognized by WHO as a stable, well-functioning agency, and by other international partners as an organisation that places premium on the quality, safety and efficacy of medicines, food, and other regulated products,” the NAFDAC boss said.
