The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has debunked the claim of the presence of plastic or harmful contaminants in Golden Penny Semovita.
The NAFDAC boss, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, In response to a video circulating online, advised the public to dismiss such allegations and be cautious when utilizing social media platforms to express concerns regarding regulated products.
In the video, a woman is seen washing Golden Penny Semovita in a sieve with cold water, alleging that the residue left behind is plastic.
However, NAFDAC conducted a thorough investigation and found no evidence of plastic or similar harmful substances in Golden Penny Semovita.
NAFDAC used internationally accredited laboratories to perform analytical testing on various brands of Semolina, including Golden Penny Semovita, and confirmed its safety.
Semovita is a brand of semolina, a popular wheat flour consumed worldwide. It primarily consists of water, carbohydrates, and gluten-forming proteins, which contribute to its unique properties. Gluten is composed of two protein classes, glutenin and gliadin, that combine with water to form a protein network responsible for the viscoelastic properties of semolina-based products. The rubbery appearance observed in the video is a result of the gluten forming after mixing with water during the washing process. It is important to note that semolina does not contain plastic; it only exhibits viscous and elastic characteristics.
NAFDAC has concluded and emphasized that Golden Penny Semovita is safe for consumption and contains the expected components, including the required Vitamin A.
The agency advises the public to rely on credible information sources and refrain from spreading misleading claims through social media.