The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has uncovered the sale of substandard and unregistered sugar products in Nigerian markets, warning of the health and economic dangers they pose.
In a press release issued on Wednesday through the Director, Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, the FCCPC revealed that several smuggled sugar brands from Brazil, including Grupo Moreno, Terous, USI S. Joao, Alvean, and Arapora Bionergia, failed to meet mandatory Vitamin A fortification standards.
The absence of fortification, essential for good vision and immune health, poses significant health risks, particularly to vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women.
“These products not only expose consumers to serious health risks, including blindness and increased susceptibility to infections, but they also undermine the integrity of our local sugar industry,” the FCCPC stated.
The commission’s investigations revealed that the substandard sugar brands often lacked proper labelling, including production and expiry dates, batch numbers, and mandatory NAFDAC registration.
Smuggling, facilitated through porous borders with neighbouring countries such as Cameroon and Benin Republic, has exacerbated the problem, making enforcement and traceability difficult.
The FCCPC also highlighted the economic impact, noting that substandard imports create unfair competition.
“Importers of these products engage in price manipulation to the detriment of compliant local producers and consumers, jeopardising the sustainability of the Nigerian sugar industry,” the statement added.
To address the issue, the FCCPC has announced a series of measures, including nationwide awareness campaigns to educate consumers on verifying sugar product authenticity. The commission is collaborating with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Nigeria Customs Service, and other agencies to intensify surveillance and disrupt smuggling networks.
The FCCPC urged consumers to remain vigilant and report suspected substandard sugar products. Reports can be submitted via email at contact@fccpc.gov.ng or through the commission’s official social media channels.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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