Cancer: Nigeria explores as Malaysia, Taiwan review Indomie noodles

 The Federal Government is keeping track of Malaysian and Taiwanese authorities' recalls of Indomie's Special Chicken Flavor Noodles.

Following the discovery of ethylene oxide, a substance known to cause cancer, in the product, the Asian nations took the appropriate action.

The colorless and odorless gas ethylene oxide is used to sterilize medical equipment, spices, and occasionally as a pesticide.

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This week, a national inquiry is being launched by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, the director general, revealed that starting on May 2, the agency will test a few packs of Indomie noodles.

"We want to take random samples of PMS from the marketplace and Indomie noodles (with the seasoning) from the manufacturing facilities.

It's ethylene oxide that's the interesting chemical. The technique for the study is being developed by the director (of Lab Services)," Adeyeye continued.

Following random inspections, the Taipei health department found ethylene oxide in two varieties of instant noodles, including the chicken flavor.

A statement by the Taipei City Health Bureau insists raw materials and products used by companies must “comply with food safety and health management.”

Similarly, the health ministry in Malaysia said it examined 36 samples of instant noodles from different brands since 2022 and found that 11 samples contained ethylene oxide.

Indonesia-based Indofoods, the maker of Indomie instant noodles, has denied the allegations, assuring that its products are made in safe conditions.