Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Fast food joints: Battle against cockroaches and dangerous flies

Niyi Odebode


The decision of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control to monitor fast food outlets brings to the fore the need for Nigerians to watch what they eat at eateries.



http://odili.net/news/source/2010/feb/24/805.html

Before October last year, the agency's activities were mainly restricted to regulation of drugs, water and cosmetics. In spite of the increase in fast food companies, NAFDAC did not focus its search light on them.

But investigations by our correspondent showed that fears have gripped many fast food operators over NAFDAC's latest move. Many of them are now very strict with their workers on the issue of hygiene.

The monitoring of the eateries began in October last year, when the agency's officials visited the Town Planning outlet of Sweet Sensation as part of their oversight responsibilities.

At a news conference on October 29, the Director- General of NAFDAC, Dr. Paul Orhii, disclosed that the fast food outlet had been sealed by the agency. He alleged that the eatery was "operating under unhygienic conditions."

According to him, NAFDAC inspectors were shocked to discover that the outlet's "source of water was a borehole located close to an underground concrete sewage and there was no proper water treatment.''

He further alleged that storage condition of food in the outlet was inadequate. "It was observed the company was using a ceramic bath tub for mixing dough for pastries," he also alleged.

Orhii also claimed, "The company's kitchen windows and doors were not netted to protect the premises from pests such as rats, cockroaches and flies. The general sanitation of the premises was appalling."

The director- general assured that the outlet would be re-opened as soon as it improved its environment and operations. He stated that the agency would assist the fast food outlet to carry out necessary adjustments.

Although the agency has reopened the fast food outlet, the management of the company in an advertisement in the November 3, 2009 edition of THE PUNCH, explained that NAFDAC inspectors found nothing wrong with the quality of the company's products.

The management stated that the inspectors ordered the closure of the outlets after noticing "a number of infractions." The agency ordered the outlet to rectify the infractions.

It added, "Let us for the record purposes categorically state that we appreciate the role NAFDAC is playing in setting standards for the food and drug related industries in Nigeria and largely commend these noble efforts.

"We have since met with the NAFDAC DG and the meeting provided us with the opportunity to state our side of the matter."

But barely four months after the Town Planning branch of Sweet Sensation was sealed, an outlet of Tetrazzini Foods Limited at Iganmu, Lagos was also shut.

NAFDAC's Public Relations Officer, Christiana Obiazikwor, in a statement in Lagos on February 1 2, said that the fast food outlet was shut on February 11 over an alleged unhygienic environment.

NAFDAC stated that its team from establishment inspection directorate, Lagos special zone met with the officials of the company who conducted them round the entire outlet.

It alleged, "It was a shocking discovery that the environment was dirty, unkempt and unsuitable for food processing. The general sanitation of the premises was very appalling.

"There was stagnant water all around the whole premises with algae growth everywhere, the tiles in all the operating areas such as the kitchen, the chicken cutting roomandthe bakery were broken and had not been washed for a long time."

hmmm u don't judge a book by it's cover, their food look so appetising, but d place they prepare it is this bad. Naija

More reason why I cook my own food at home, these useless companies are only interested in their pockets. May God punish them all.

Amen. Especialy mama iyabo

You can't always cook at home.