The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sanctioned 14 companies in Edo state, accusing some of them of selling banned drugs such as Opthalidon.
The Unit Head of the agency in the state, David West told newsmen in Benin city today that many other erring companies, including drug distribution outlet, pharmacy and patent medicine shops as well as food and cosmetic establishments were found to be distributing controlled drugs.
Such rugs, he said, included Tramadol and banned drugs like Opthalidon, adding: “the 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.”
Mr. West 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,” he said.
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.
