The National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) has expressed worry that many children in Nigeria would come down with various forms of cancer in the near future if the ongoing investigation by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, proves that there is the presence of ethylene oxide in Instant Noodles’ “Special Chicken Flavour.”
The cancer center said its position was because instant noodles is a popular food among most Nigerian children.
Director General/CEO NICRAT, Prof. Usman Aliyu, said in a statement on Wednesday evening in Abuja that the Institute’s “review of ethylene oxide shows that the compound has grave consequences for human health, especially when consumed.”
According to the agency, “Our in-depth review of ethylene oxide indicated that it is a highly reactive chemical that is used as a raw material to make other compounds such as glycol ethers and polyglycerol ethers, as well as a range of emulsifiers, detergents, and solvents.”
“Ethylene oxide is also widely used as a fumigant for cleaning culinary goods, including spices,” it explained.
It expressed concerns over the presence of carcinogenic compounds in Indomie noodles.
Complete statement: “The National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) has expressed concern over the revelation of the alleged presence of a carcinogenic compound (ethylene oxide) in Indomie Instant Noodles’ “Special Chicken Flavour.”
“While we commend the prompt intervention of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to carry out a comprehensive investigation to ascertain the magnitude of the situation, NICRAT’s review of ethylene oxide shows that the compound has grave consequences for human health, especially when consumed.”
“Our in-depth review of ethylene oxide indicated that it is a highly reactive chemical that is used as a raw material to make other compounds such as glycol ethers and polyglycerol ethers, as well as a range of emulsifiers, detergents, and solvents.”
Ethylene oxide is also widely used as a fumigant for cleaning culinary goods, including spices. It is also frequently used to disinfect medical equipment, particularly those that might be harmed by heat sterilization.
“Our review, therefore, revealed that there is sufficient evidence in experimental animals for the carcinogenicity of ethylene oxide, and there is strong evidence that the carcinogenicity of ethylene oxide, a direct-acting alkylating agent, operates by a genotoxic mechanism.”
“NICRAT, created by an Act in 2017 as an agency with the mandate to prevent, conduct research, and treat cancers in Nigeria, is deeply worried that, if it is found that some brands of Indomie noodles contain ethylene oxide, then Nigerians should expect an escalation of various forms of cancer in the months or years ahead, depending on how long people have consumed that brand.”
“More worrisome is that Nigerians should also expect an increase in cancer cases among children because Indomie noodles is a popular food among most Nigerian children.
NICRAT’s concern is premised on the fact that cancer has claimed a lot of lives in Nigeria. In 2020 alone, 78,000 Nigerians died due to cancer-related complications (34,200 males and 44,699 females).
“NICRAT, therefore, advises Nigerians to obey NAFDAC’s instructions on the ban and consumption of Indomie Instant Noodles ‘Special Chicken Flavour’. We will further collaborate with NAFDAC to ensure the safety and protection of Nigerians from cancer-causing agents.
“NICRAT, however, assures Nigerians of its commitment to take cancer prevention, research, and treatment to the next level by ensuring that Nigerians are safe from all forms of cancer.”
