The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has shut down four unregistered bakeries in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The South-South Zonal Director of NAFDAC, Chukwuma Oligbu, revealed that the bakeries were operating without licences and in unhygienic environments.
NAFDAC listed the affected bakeries as He Reigns Bakery, Rumuigbo; Divine Freedom Bread, Rumuomasi; De Heroes Bakery, Psychiatric Road, Rumuigbo; and The Lord’s Abundant Bakery, Rumuigbo.
In a statement by the regulatory body, the owners of the bakeries have been directed to report to the zonal office for questioning while investigations continue, and samples of the produced bread have been taken for laboratory analysis.
Oligbu said: “The bakeries were operating without registration licences and with very poor Good Hygienic Practice, GHP.
“Pans with dough were kept on the floor, the makeshift buildings had uncovered windows, bakery workers were not well kitted with PPEs, lister generator sets were sited inside the production rooms, there was no factory flow, etc.,” the director stated.
Oligbu warned that defaulters of NAFDAC regulations risk prosecution and possible jail terms when convicted.
He implored producers of NAFDAC-regulated products to seek guidance by visiting the agency’s office for advice and supervision in setting up their facilities and businesses.
The zonal director emphasised that the agency will make Rivers State and the entire South-South Zone uncomfortable for illicit producers who do not abide by NAFDAC standards.