Niger Local Government Closes Ice Cream Factories for Poor Hygiene

The Bida Local Government in Niger State has closed down ice cream factories that were operating without the necessary licenses and registration numbers from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

The council found these factories had serious hygiene issues, like flies in the ice cream mixtures. This was discovered during an inspection by the environmental departments.

In a statement on Facebook on Thursday, the Chief Press Secretary of the council, Aliyu B. Umar, said the ice cream products lacked labels. Without labels, it was hard to know what the products contained or where they came from.

"During the operation, the inspection team discovered serious hygiene concerns, including flies in the mixture used for ice cream production. The products were also found to be without labels, making it difficult to identify their contents and trace their source."

The statement continued, "The substances used in production were subsequently subjected to laboratory analysis, which reportedly revealed a lack of nutritional value and the presence of substances considered dangerous to human health."

The council halted production after factory managers admitted they did not have the required licenses and NAFDAC registration numbers. They also removed production equipment and other materials from the factories.

This action followed complaints from residents about an ice cream factory near the Federal Polytechnic Bida area. "According to the complaints, numerous vendors reportedly gathered at the facility every morning to purchase the ice cream for distribution and sale across Bida, potentially exposing residents to health risks," the statement said.

During the operation, the Supervisory Councillor for Health and Social Welfare, Ahmed Danladi, said the council is dedicated to ensuring that food and drinks sold to residents are made in clean conditions and follow the right rules.

He mentioned that the council chairman, UM Manko, would take necessary actions against anyone involved in illegal food and drink production or breaking public health and environmental laws. Danladi also encouraged residents to report any suspicious food production and distribution activities to the right authorities.