By Jemimah Wellinton, JKNewsMedia Reporter
SMUGGLED AND substandard sugar products are flooding Nigerian markets, exposing consumers to severe health risks and destabilizing the local sugar industry.
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) uncovered these issues during investigations targeting key regions, particularly the South-West and North-East.
FCCPC found unregistered sugar brands from Brazil, such as Grupo Moreno, Terous, and Alvean, that fail to meet the mandatory Vitamin A fortification requirements essential for good health.
These products also lack proper labeling, including production dates, batch numbers, and NAFDAC registration, making it impossible to trace their origin.
The absence of Vitamin A in these products threatens public health, particularly among children and pregnant women, increasing risks of blindness and infections.
Economic harm follows as smuggled products distort market prices, undermine fair competition, and place undue pressure on compliant local producers.
FCCPC Director Ondaje Ijagwu emphasized the urgent need for consumer vigilance and enforcement efforts.
He highlighted the role of smuggling through porous borders with countries like Cameroon and Benin in exacerbating the issue.
The commission is collaborating with NAFDAC, Nigeria Customs Service, and other agencies to disrupt supply chains, enforce compliance, and educate consumers on verifying product authenticity.
Consumers are urged to report suspicious products via FCCPC’s email: contact@fccpc.gov.ng or any of its social media channels as the commission intensifies its crackdown to safeguard public health and market integrity.
