Jigawa Destroys 5,520 Cartons of Expired Noodles

The Jigawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (JSPHCDA), working in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), has destroyed 5,520 cartons of expired noodles that were earmarked for use during immunisation campaigns across the state.

The disposal exercise was carried out after the food items, which were intended to serve as incentives for participants in polio and routine immunisation programmes, exceeded their shelf life before distribution.

Speaking during the destruction exercise, the State Cold Chain Officer, Yusuf Inuwa, explained that the noodles were supplied by WHO ahead of the National Immunisation Plus Days (NIPDs) campaign scheduled for November 2025. However, a subsequent directive from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) postponed the campaign to December 2, 2025. By that time, the products had already expired.

Inuwa said all the cartons were immediately recalled from the 27 local government areas of the state to prevent accidental distribution to the public. He stressed that allowing expired food items into circulation could pose serious health risks, including food poisoning, and undermine public confidence in health interventions.

He added that expired consumables no longer serve as support materials but rather become liabilities that must be safely disposed of in line with public health standards.

The destruction of the expired noodles was monitored by representatives of WHO, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Jigawa State Environmental Protection Agency, and members of the media to ensure transparency and compliance with safety regulations.