NAFDAC Assures Nigerians: Locally Made Indomie Noodles Safe Amid French Recall Alert

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reassured the public that Indomie Noodles Vegetable Flavour is not registered or sold in Nigeria, following a recall alert issued by French health authorities.

In a press release on Sunday, NAFDAC clarified that the recall, initiated by Rappel Conso, France’s official consumer safety platform, involved undeclared allergens—milk and eggs—in the Vegetable Flavour variant, posing risks to individuals with allergies or intolerances. The agency emphasized that the product does not originate from Nigeria and is not approved for sale.

NAFDAC Director-General, Professor Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, stated:
“The Indomie noodles vegetable flavour in question is not registered with NAFDAC for sale in Nigeria.”

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The agency highlighted that noodle imports are on the Federal Government’s Import Prohibition List, making it illegal to bring such products into the country. To safeguard public health, NAFDAC has intensified nationwide surveillance, directing zonal directors, state coordinators, and Ports Inspection authorities to prevent any circulation of the recalled product.

The agency further assured that all Indomie noodles produced in Nigeria are locally manufactured, strictly regulated, and comply with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards. Consumers are advised to report any suspected sale or adverse reactions via NAFDAC’s toll-free number 0800-162-3322 or its e-reporting platforms.

In a separate statement, Indomie Nigeria confirmed that the company does not manufacture, import, or sell the Vegetable Flavour variant in Nigeria, stressing that all locally made Indomie noodles are safe for consumption. The company warned against purchasing noodles with unfamiliar packaging and urged reliance on official sources for verified information.

Both NAFDAC and Indomie Nigeria appealed for public calm, reiterating that Nigerian-produced Indomie noodles remain safe, unaffected, and compliant with regulatory standards.

NAFDAC Assures Nigerians: Locally Made Indomie Noodles Safe Amid French Recall Alert

US, Nigeria Sign $5.1bn Health Pact to Expand Faith-Based Hospitals

The United States and Nigeria have signed a five-year bilateral health Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s health system, with a major focus on expanding faith-based healthcare delivery across the country.

Under the agreement, jointly signed by the U.S. Department of State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, both countries will commit nearly $5.1 billion over the lifespan of the MOU. The U.S. government plans to invest about $2.1 billion, while Nigeria will increase its domestic health spending by approximately $3 billion—the largest co-investment so far under the America First Global Health Strategy.

Announcing the deal at the weekend, U.S. Principal Deputy Spokesperson Thomas Pigott said the funding would support expanded preventive and curative health services, including interventions for HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, maternal and child health, and polio.

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A notable element of the agreement is its emphasis on strengthening Christian faith-based health facilities in Nigeria. According to the statement, the MOU was negotiated alongside reforms by the Nigerian government aimed at improving the protection of Christian communities, with targeted funding for faith-based clinics and hospitals.

Nigeria is home to an estimated 900 faith-based health facilities, which provide care to more than 30 per cent of the population. The U.S. government said investments in these facilities would complement services offered by public hospitals and clinics, while enhancing the resilience of Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure.

The statement also underscored that, in line with U.S. foreign assistance policy, the President and the Secretary of State retain the authority to pause or terminate programmes that do not align with U.S. national interests. It added that the Trump administration expects Nigeria to sustain progress in addressing extremist religious violence, particularly against vulnerable Christian communities.

The U.S. Department of State disclosed that similar multi-year bilateral health MOUs are expected to be concluded with dozens of countries receiving U.S. health assistance in the coming weeks.

The agreement represents one of the most significant Nigeria–U.S. health sector partnerships in recent years and reflects growing international recognition of faith-based institutions as critical providers of healthcare in developing countries.

US, Nigeria Sign $5.1bn Health Pact to Expand Faith-Based Hospitals

Menopause Brain Fog Linked to Structural Brain Changes, New Study Reveals

A new scientific review unveiled at The Menopause Society’s annual meeting has shed fresh light on menopause brain fog, revealing that cognitive symptoms—such as forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, and mental slowness—are among the most troubling experiences for many women during the menopausal transition.

The review, which analysed multiple brain-imaging studies, offers the clearest picture yet of what happens inside the female brain during menopause. Researchers found that declining estrogen levels are associated with measurable structural brain changes, particularly reduced gray matter volume in key regions such as the frontal and temporal lobes and the hippocampus, areas critical for memory, learning, and decision-making.

These changes have been linked to declines in several types of memory. However, the findings also offer reassurance: evidence suggests that gray matter volume may partially recover after menopause, indicating that the brain can adapt to hormonal changes over time.

The review also highlighted an increase in white-matter hyperintensities—small lesions visible on brain scans—during menopause. These lesions have been associated with cognitive decline and mood disturbances and appear more frequently in women who experience early menopause or severe hot flashes.

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In response to falling estrogen levels, researchers observed an increase in estrogen receptor density in the brain, which experts believe may be a compensatory mechanism aimed at preserving brain function.

“Our brains are wired with estrogen,” said Dr. Fatima Naqvi, an obstetrician-gynaecologist at Atlantic Health. “When estrogen production drops, the brain begins to remodel itself and adapt to reduced hormonal support.”

However, experts stress that hormones are not the sole contributors to menopausal cognitive changes. Dr. Jennifer Wu, an ob-gyn at Northwell Lenox Hill Hospital, noted that sleep disruption, stress, and lifestyle changes common during menopause can worsen mental fog. “Many women are not sleeping well, and it is often a very stressful period of life,” she said.

While researchers hope the findings will lead to targeted treatments for menopause-related cognitive symptoms, doctors advise women to take proactive steps now. Recommended strategies include regular exercise, a healthy diet, and consuming Omega-3-rich foods such as salmon and walnuts, which may support brain health.

Hormone therapy may help some women, particularly when started early in menopause, though responses vary. Experts caution against unregulated supplements that claim to cure brain fog, advising women to seek guidance from qualified healthcare professionals.

As research continues into how menopause reshapes the brain, specialists say greater awareness could improve support, treatment options, and quality of life for millions of women navigating this major life transition.

Menopause Brain Fog Linked to Structural Brain Changes, New Study Reveals