FCCPC Warns Public of Health Risks from Substandard Sugar Products Flooding Nigerian Markets
ABUJA – The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has issued warnings regarding the presence of substandard and unregistered sugar products in the Nigerian market. The agency stated that this low-quality sugar, mainly smuggled in from Brazil, poses considerable health threats to consumers and jeopardizes the local sugar industry.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Ondaje Ijagwu, FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, shared results of investigations that identified several brands—namely, Grupo Moreno, Terous, USI S. Joao, Alvean, and Arapora Bionergia—that did not meet essential health and safety regulations.
Ijagwu highlighted that these illicitly imported sugar products lack the necessary Vitamin A fortification mandated by Nigerian regulations, which raises serious concerns regarding consumers’ health, including risks of blindness and other complications.
“The lack of mandatory Vitamin A fortification in these products poses significant health hazards, undermines the credibility of local sugar producers, and contributes to market price manipulation,” Ijagwu stated.
FCCPC’s investigations in key regions, particularly the South-West and North-East, revealed that these smuggled sugar items frequently lack critical labeling information, including production and expiration dates, batch numbers, and notably, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) registration numbers. This absence of proper labeling suggests that the products have not undergone necessary safety testing, further increasing risk factors for Nigerian consumers. The FCCPC underscored the vital role of Vitamin A in nutrition, especially for at-risk demographics like children and pregnant women.
“The absence of this crucial fortification exposes consumers to severe health risks, such as blindness and heightened vulnerability to infections,” Ijagwu cautioned.
In addition to health concerns, the FCCPC expressed alarm over the economic implications of these illicit sugar imports. The agency pointed out that sugar smuggling disrupts fair competition, putting local producers who adhere to regulatory standards at a distinct disadvantage. According to the FCCPC, the smuggling activities are reportedly facilitated through porous borders, particularly with neighboring nations like Cameroon and the Benin Republic, making regulation enforcement challenging and complicating product traceability.
The FCCPC assured the public of its commitment to addressing this urgent issue and has urged consumers to remain observant, reporting any suspicious or substandard sugar products. Complaints can be directed to the FCCPC via email at [email protected] or through its official social media platforms.
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