By ADEROGBA GEORGE

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sealed an eatery, ?The Place,? in Wuse 2, Abuja, on Thursday, due to inadequate Good Hygiene Practice (GHP).

The agency also confiscated food raw materials suspected to be contaminated with rodent faeces and droppings, citing unhygienic packaging.

Mr Kenneth Azikiwe, Head of NAFDAC?s FCT Directorate, stated that the enforcement team acted on a tip from a customer and an order from Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye.

He said that the operation aimed to promote public health safety and ensured safe, quality food for Nigerian citizens.

Azikiwe emphasised that NAFDAC?s mandate includes supervising manufacturing, distribution, and adherence to regulations.

He noted that all restaurants must comply with NAFDAC Food Hygiene Regulations, ensuring safe and quality food processing.

Azikiwe said that the agency would penalise the eatery according to its regulations, which outline penalties for poor hygiene practices.

?Before imposing penalties, NAFDAC will assess the eatery?s premises, staff, facilities, and raw material sources.?

Azikiwe encouraged other FCT restaurant operators to obtain NAFDAC?s food hygiene documents and certification, highlighting the agency?s ongoing evaluations and potential benefits.

He urged restaurant operators in the FCT to visit NAFDAC?s office or website (www.nafdac.gov.ng) for safety guidelines and information. (NAN)