BIDA LG SHUTS DOWN ICE CREAM PRODUCTION FACILITIES OVER HEALTH AND SAFETY CONCERNS

The Bida Local Government Council has halted ice cream production at facilities found operating without the required licences and National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) registration numbers following an inspection by the Council’s environmental departments.

This is contained in a statement by Chief Press Secretary to the Bida Local Government Council Chairman Aliyu B. Umar

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 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.

Following confirmation by the factory managers that they were operating without the required licences and NAFDAC registration numbers, the Council halted production and evacuated the production equipment and related materials as part of its enforcement action.

The operation followed complaints from members of the community who drew the attention of the Bida Local Government Council Chairman, Rt. Hon. UM MANKO, Danmajen Nupe, to an ice cream production facility around 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.

Speaking during the operation, the Supervisory Councillor for Health and Social Welfare, Hon. Ahmed Danladi, said the Council was committed to safeguarding public health and ensuring that food and drink products sold to residents were produced under hygienic conditions and in compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.

He stated that the Council Chairman, Rt. Hon. UM MANKO, Danmajen Nupe, remained committed to protecting the health and well-being of Bida residents, adding that the Council would take appropriate action against individuals and businesses found engaging in illegal food and drink production or violating public health and environmental regulations.

He further encouraged residents to report suspicious food production and distribution practices to the appropriate authorities as the Council intensifies efforts to promote public health and environmental safety across Bida Local Government Area.