The Nigeria Customs Service has revealed that six containers of poisonous tomato paste have arrived at the country’s seaport from Iran for onward clearance into local markets.
The agency revealed that the tomato paste is branded as Shirin Asal my tomato paste.
However, in a move to stop the tomato paste from entering into Nigerian markets, the NCS, in a memo signed by the Deputy Comptroller General Tarrif & Trade to all customs commands, warned that all efforts must be put in place.
According to the internal memo entitled:
‘Re: Importation of expired Iranian tomato paste’ with reference number NCS/T&T/I&E/021/S.112/Vol.71, the customs stated that:
“It has been reported that six containers of expired and low quality Iranian tomato paste, Shirin Asal my tomato with brix 20-22 instead of the recommended brix 27-29 have been imported into the country by M.T.V Investment Limited.
“Consumption of the paste is said to be harmful to human health.
“Consequently, all Customs Area Controller (CAC) are directed to put appropriate mechanism in place to debar entry of the said paste and liaise with relevant agencies to forestall distribution and consumption.”
