By Tomiwa Akinbamire
Many Nigerians continue to consume expired food items and medicines despite clearly marked expiration dates, exposing themselves to serious health risks. Health authorities warn that the use of expired products can lead to treatment failure, food poisoning, drug resistance, and even death, raising growing concerns about public safety across the country.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that at least 1 in 10 medicines in low- and middle-income countries including Nigeria can be substandard or deteriorated, which includes products that have lost potency or are expired.
Reports show that expired products are still circulating widely in Nigerian markets, often consumed by people unaware of the associated dangers. In Ondo State, Mr. Ayodeji told a customer about a particular expired product that “expired products can still be consumed even after 3–4 months.” He added that some companies “sometimes don’t know what they do, and those dates might not be real.”
This statement highlights the continued habit of consuming expired products despite the health risks. Independent reports indicate that NAFDAC regularly destroys expired and unwholesome products seized from the market. Between July and December 2024, ₦120 billion worth of fake, expired, and counterfeit products including medicines, food, and drinks were destroyed nationwide.
To combat this, NAFDAC teams conduct regular raids to remove expired and substandard drugs from open markets. For example, in Onitsha, Anambra State, expired drugs and other substandard products were confiscated and properly disposed of. According to NAFDAC’s Guidelines for Handling and Disposal of Unwholesome Medicines and Other Regulated Products, any expired product is classified as unwholesome and must be removed from the distribution chain.
Health experts continue to warn Nigerians about the dangers of consuming expired products. Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, NAFDAC’s Director-General, has consistently cautioned against using expired, fake, and substandard drugs, highlighting the health risks and urging public education to help consumers identify genuine medicines. She has also called on lawmakers to amend drug laws, including the NAFDAC Act and the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs Act, to introduce harsher penalties including life imprisonment or death for those dealing in expired or illegal products.
Professional medical associations, including the Nigerian Medical Association and pharmacists’ associations, stress that consuming expired products can cause treatment failures, adverse health outcomes, drug resistance, and even death. They advocate for stronger market surveillance, reporting systems, and public awareness campaigns.
This situation calls for vigilance by both consumers and government agencies. People must prioritize their health by checking product labels before use, while the government must intensify efforts to remove expired products from the market. Communities also have a crucial role in educating citizens about the hazards of expired medicines and food, reinforcing that health should always come first.
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