The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has confirmed that 48 people have died following the consumption of locally prepared alcoholic and herbal concoctions in Ondo State.
The agency also disclosed that 182 other persons are critically ill, while five victims reportedly suffered blindness after consuming the suspected harmful mixtures.
NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, disclosed the figures in a statement issued to journalists in Abuja on Friday evening.
According to the agency, the incident has raised serious concerns over the dangers associated with the consumption of unregulated alcoholic beverages and locally prepared herbal mixtures.
The affected products are believed to have been consumed in parts of Ondo State, with health authorities working to establish the exact substances responsible for the illnesses and deaths.
NAFDAC is expected to continue investigations into the incident, including efforts to identify the specific products involved and determine how they were produced and distributed.
The agency has repeatedly warned members of the public against consuming unregistered food, herbal and alcoholic products, particularly those prepared or sold without regulatory approval.
Authorities are also expected to intensify surveillance and public health measures as investigations into the Ondo tragedy continue.
