The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Niger State said it arrested eight suspects for allegedly producing unhealthy ice cream, yoghurt and bread.

Shaba Mohammed, director, North-Central zone of the agency, disclosed this to journalists on Wednesday in Minna after surveillance by operatives in the Suleja area.

“During our surveillance in Suleja today, we discovered a cluster of 15 sites producing unhealthy ice cream, yoghurt and bread for school children in Suleja.

“We immediately swung into action, and eight suspects were arrested in connection with the unwholesome practices,” he said.

Mr Mohammed explained that the suspects produced and sold the products to unsuspecting schoolchildren in Suleja.

He said that during the raid, one bakery using potassium bromate to produce bread was also discovered.

The director said NAFDAC also discovered that the agency had not registered and certified the products.

“Some of these products can cause cholera, cancer and other health issues,” he said.

He admonished parents, guardians and school management to be conscious of what children consume to ensure healthy living.

“We want parents and school management to stop persons into such unwholesome activities from bringing their products into the school environment and report them to NAFDAC,” he said.

Similarly, Francis Ononiwu, Director of Enforcement in the agency, said the suspects, who were with the police, would be investigated and prosecuted accordingly.

Ahmed Yusuf, an assistant chief regulatory officer, said that the agency would intensify efforts with the police to apprehend the real owners of the production outlets.

(NAN)