Korede Abdullah 
LAGOS, Nigeria – The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has raised concerns over the alleged alteration of production and expiry dates on expired and near-expired products being sold across markets and retail outlets in the state.
The agency warned on Wednesday that devices and chemicals used to erase and reprint expiry dates are increasingly being circulated online, posing serious risks to consumer health.
Speaking on the development, LASCOPA General Manager, Afolabi Solebo, described the practice as a violation of the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency Law, 2025 (as amended).
“Consumer safety is non-negotiable. Expired products are being reintroduced into the markets with falsified dates, and this poses significant public health risks,” Solebo said.
He disclosed that enforcement teams had carried out inspections across all Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas in Lagos, uncovering suspicious date coding, damaged packaging and other questionable products.
According to him, businesses found engaging in the illegal practice risk product seizure, closure of their premises and prosecution.
Solebo also urged manufacturers to adopt standardised product labelling to discourage tampering and improve product traceability.
He advised consumers to carefully inspect expiry dates, look out for damaged packaging and purchase products only from reputable vendors while retaining receipts for possible complaints.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to sustained enforcement and collaboration with manufacturers, market associations and regulatory agencies to eliminate unsafe products from the market.
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Oluwafunbi Bello 
Hope Ajayi 