The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has raised an alarm over the presence of low-quality sugar products in Nigerian markets.
According to a statement issued by the FCCPC Director, Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu on Wednesday, these products, mainly smuggled from Brazil, fail to meet the mandatory Vitamin A fortification requirements, posing serious health risks to consumers.
“The absence of Vitamin A 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,” the FCCPC stated.
The Commission’s investigations revealed that many of these products lack proper labelling, including production and expiry dates, batch numbers, and NAFDAC registration.
The FCCPC is taking decisive steps to address this issue, including educating consumers about the dangers of non-fortified and substandard sugar products through nationwide awareness campaigns.
Consumers are advised to verify the authenticity of sugar products by checking for proper labelling, including NAFDAC registration and evidence of Vitamin A fortification.
“Consumers are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspected substandard or unregistered sugar products to the FCCPC” said Ijagwu
