The National Agency for Food, Drug and Control (NAFDAC) has begun data capturing of companies in Kwara State. 

NAFDAC director, Mrs. Malomo Odu, made this known at the weekend in Ilorin, during an interaction session with manufacturers, importers, exporters, master bakers and pharmacists. 

She said the agency embarked on the programme to ensure effective regulation and control of companies operating in the state.

Mrs. Odu added: "The data gathered will assist to obtain certain basic information for planning and research purposes. It will also assist to bridge communication gap between NAFDAC and her stakeholders." 

She said the exercise would end next month, adding that the process was compulsory for companies operating in the state.

Mrs. Odu noted that the data to be captured included the names, addresses, photographs and e-mail addresses of proprietors or owners of companies. 

She said the data capturing would cost the companies between N5,000 and N10,000 to be paid into the agency's bank account.

The director warned companies selling chemicals and explosives to register their companies with NAFDAC in their own interest or face the wrath of the law. 

Food sellers were also advised  to maintain good hygiene and keep their environment clean at all time. 

The agency vowed to confiscate any unregistered product on display by the cosmetics and medicine shops in the state. 

Mrs. Odu hailed the master bakers in the state for complying with the  directives, saying it can vouch for the bread baked in Kwara as safe for consumption.

She urged the bakers association to ensure that the standard does not fall, adding that the association should monitor its members.

The director appealed to pharmaceutical companies to maintain reference standard or face sanctions. 

Mrs. Odu advised them to liaise with the agency to avoid falling into the hands of fake officials.