The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted Nigerians against consuming a certain energy drink in the country due to its high level of caffeine, which is considered dangerous.
The agency stated that it has been alerted about the G Fuel brand Energy Drinks, which the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) have respectively banned.
The energy drink produced by T&E Imports and GPAE Trading Corp has been put under recall in foreign countries.
In a public alert with No. 034/2023, issued to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, warned that the consumption of the product could cause headaches, insomnia, irritability, and nervousness due to its high level of caffeine.
Adeyeye further advised against the consumption of these products by pregnant women, emphasizing that excessive intake of caffeine may lead to a higher likelihood of miscarriage and the potential for a lower birth weight.
The Director-General also highlighted the absence of any warning regarding the recommended daily servings of the affected products, noting that they are available for purchase through online platforms.
She said: “The product is not registered by NAFDAC, which implored consumers and retailers to refrain from using, selling, serving, or distributing the implicated product.
“Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicion of distribution and sale of unwholesome packaged food products to the nearest NAFDAC office.
“NAFDAC could also be reached on 0800-162-3322 or via email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.
“Healthcare professionals and patients are also encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of any substandard NAFDAC-regulated product to the nearest NAFDAC office.
“NAFDAC could also be reached through the use of the E-reporting platforms available on the NAFDAC website, www.nafdac.gov.ng or via the Med-safety application available for download on Android and IOS stores.
“The public could also reach NAFDAC via e-mail on pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng,” she added (NAN)