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The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has uncovered a significant presence of substandard and unregistered sugar products in Nigerian markets, warning of the health and economic risks posed by the influx of these goods.<\/p>\n
Ondaje Ijagwu, FCCPC\u2019s Director of Corporate Affairs, revealed the findings in a statement on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
He identified the products as including smuggled Brazilian brands such as Grupo Moreno, Terous, USI S. Joao, Alvean, and Arapora Bionergia. These products, he stated, failed to meet mandatory Vitamin A fortification standards required in Nigeria.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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,\u201d Ijagwu said.<\/p>\n
According to the FCCPC, the products also lacked proper labeling, such as production and expiry dates, batch numbers, and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) registration.<\/p>\n
Ijagwu emphasized that these omissions not only endanger public health but also compromise the integrity of Nigeria\u2019s local sugar industry.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe FCCPC is deeply concerned about the economic impact of these products,\u201d he noted, adding that the smuggling of substandard sugar undermines fair competition and harms local producers who comply with regulatory standards.<\/p>\n
READ ALSO: NAFDAC Shuts Down Bakery In Sokoto For Using Unfortified Sugar, Banned Bromate<\/p>\n
Importers of these goods engage in price manipulation, which he said harms genuine producers and deceives consumers into thinking the products are legitimate.<\/p>\n
Ijagwu highlighted that porous borders with neighboring countries like Cameroon and Benin Republic facilitate the smuggling of these goods, complicating enforcement efforts and traceability.<\/p>\n
\u201cActing on a tip-off, FCCPC operatives conducted discreet investigations across the country, particularly in the South-West and the North-East,\u201d the statement read. \u201cThe investigations revealed widespread issues with these sugar products, including the lack of fortification with Vitamin A, a critical nutrient essential for good vision, immune health, and overall well-being.\u201d<\/p>\n
To address the issue, the FCCPC has committed to nationwide campaigns to educate consumers about the risks of consuming non-fortified sugar products. The commission is also intensifying surveillance and enforcement efforts in collaboration with NAFDAC, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and other agencies.<\/p>\n
\u201cPart of the commission\u2019s efforts include enhanced surveillance and follow-up market inspections to disrupt the supply chain of smuggled sugar products,\u201d Ijagwu explained.<\/p>\n
The FCCPC is also engaging with industry stakeholders to ensure compliance with quality standards, protect local producers, and promote fair competition in the sugar market.<\/p>\n
Ijagwu encouraged consumers to verify sugar products by checking for proper labeling, including evidence of NAFDAC registration and Vitamin A fortification.<\/p>\n
He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report suspected substandard sugar products to the FCCPC through its email, contact@fccpc.gov.ng, or its official social media channels.<\/p>\n
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The post FCCPC Warns Of Health Risks From Smuggled, Substandard Sugar Products appeared first on Information Nigeria.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has uncovered a significant presence of substandard and unregistered sugar products in Nigerian markets, warning of the health and economic risks posed by the influx of these goods. Ondaje Ijagwu, FCCPC\u2019s Director of Corporate Affairs, revealed the findings in a statement on Wednesday. He identified the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":369670,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[26],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-369669","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-health"],"yoast_head":"\n