- The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has alerted Nigerians of the availability of substandard and unregistered sugar products
- The FCCPC says the products didn’t meet the mandatory Vitamin A fortification requirements
- It says smuggling undermines the integrity of local industries and contributes to price manipulation
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has raised alarm about the availability of substandard and unregistered sugar products in the market.
FCCPC said the sugar products, including Grupo Moreno, Terous, USI S. Joao, Alvean and Arapora Bionergia, which were smuggled in from Brazil, failed to meet the mandatory Vitamin A fortification requirements.
In a statement issued by its Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr Ondaje Ijagwu, on Wednesday, November 20, the commission said the products pose serious health risks to consumers, undermine the integrity of the local sugar industry and contribute to price manipulation that harms the market.
The commission discovered the products through a tip-off and found that they are predominantly available in the South-West and North-East zones of the country.
It said, “Acting on a tip-off, FCCPC operatives conducted discreet investigations across the country, particularly in the South-West and the North-East.
“The investigations revealed that many of the identified sugar products lacked normal labelling, including production and expiry dates, batch numbers and the mandatory National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) registration.
“Even more concerning, most of the products were not fortified with Vitamin A, a critical nutrient essential for good vision, immune health and overall well-being. The absence of this fortification exposes Nigerian consumers to serious health risks, including blindness and increased susceptibility to infections, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women.”
‘Smuggling hurting sugar sub-sector’ - FCCPC
The FCCPC also lamented the economic impact and consequences of smuggled products, saying that such practice undermines fair competition while placing undue pressure on compliant local producers who adhere to regulatory standards.
It said, “Importers of these substandard products engage in price manipulation to the detriment of genuine producers and consumers, while pretending that the products are genuine. This jeopardises the sustainability of the Nigerian sugar industry and also erodes consumer trust in the market.
“FCCPC wishes to reassure the general public that, consistent with the provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, it is taking decisive steps to address this issue.”
The commission also assured that it is working with relevant stakeholders to address the issue while reiterating its commitment to educate consumers about the dangers of non-fortified and substandard sugar products through nationwide awareness campaigns.
“Wetin kon be original for Nigeria?” NAFDAC warns against fake Milo in circulation
Meanwhile, TheRadar reported that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Bauchi State commenced a three-day exercise in markets to remove fake Milo chocolate drinks from circulation.
The state coordinator of NAFDAC, Dr Paul Kamai, made this known on Wednesday, August 21, in Bauchi.
