Nafdac warns that Pure Tassie Organic Apple and Blackcurrant Juice from Australia is harmful

NIGERIA'S National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (Nafdac) has warned the Nigerian public to stop the consumption of an organic apple and blackcurrant originating from Australia because it is dangerous.

Despite have a climate that it highly suitable for the growth of fruits, Nigeria is a major fruit juice importer because the country lacks a functional processing industry. According to Nigeria's Raw Materials Research and Development Council, the country spends $997m annually on the importation of fruit juices.

Most of these juices come from South Africa, European Union and South America, with Australia also being a significant player in the market. Professor Moji Adeyeye, the Nafdac director-general, said that a particular juice from Australia has been certified as harmful for human consumption.

She added:  “The Centre for Food Safety of Hong Kong’s Food and Environmental Hygiene Department has warned against the consumption of Pure Tassie Organic Apple and Blackcurrant Juice originating from Australia. This was due to unacceptable level of patulin (mycotoxin) which had exceeded the maximum limit in fruit juice.”

Professor Adeyeye pointed out that the level of patulin content in the affected fruit juice can induce liver, spleen and kidney damage. Nafdac approves Silicon Wrist Band for Malaria prevention, adding that the toxic level would affect immune system and causes nausea, gastrointestinal disturbance and vomiting.

She said that the name of the is Pure Tassie, an organic apple and blackcurrant juice from Australia, so implored importers, distributors, retailers and consumers to immediately stop the importation, distribution, sale and consumption of the affected fruit juice. Professor Adeyeye urged members of the public in possession of the affected fruit juice to submit stock to the nearest Nafdac office.

In addition, Professor Adeyeye also called on healthcare professionals and consumers to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of this product to the nearest Nafdac office. Contact can be made via Nafdac Prascor 20543 toll free from all networks, pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng or via the Nafdac ADR e-Reporting platform available at www.nafdac.gov.ng.