The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has issued a public warning regarding the circulation of substandard and unregistered sugar products in Nigerian markets, following concerns about their health and economic implications.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Ondaje Ijagwu, the Commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, revealed that several sugar brands, including Grupo Moreno, Terous, USI S. Joao, Alvean, and Arapora Bionergia, have been identified as smuggled products originating from Brazil.
These products, which are being sold across the country, have failed to meet essential regulatory standards, such as mandatory Vitamin A fortification.
Ijagwu emphasized the grave health risks posed by these sugar products, stating that their lack of Vitamin A fortification could lead to serious health problems for consumers, particularly vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women.
Vitamin A is a critical nutrient essential for maintaining good vision, boosting immune function, and overall well-being. The absence of this fortification in the sugar products exposes Nigerian consumers to increased risks of blindness and infections.
“The absence of this fortification exposes Nigerian consumers to serious health risks, including blindness and increased susceptibility to infections,” Ijagwu said. He further warned that these health issues could exacerbate existing public health challenges in the country, particularly among at-risk populations.
Additionally, the FCCPC discovered that many of the smuggled sugar products lacked proper labeling, including crucial information such as production and expiry dates, batch numbers, and the mandatory registration by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
The lack of transparency and regulatory compliance makes it difficult for consumers to identify these substandard products, further amplifying the risk of exposure to unsafe goods.
Ijagwu also highlighted the negative impact these smuggled sugar products have on the local sugar industry. The influx of these low-quality goods undermines fair competition, placing undue pressure on local sugar producers who adhere to regulatory standards.
The FCCPC spokesperson noted that the market distortion caused by these smuggled products leads to price manipulation, which harms local manufacturers and ultimately disrupts the economy.
“The influx of smuggled sugar undermines fair competition, placing undue pressure on compliant local producers who adhere to regulatory standards,” Ijagwu added. He called on Nigerian consumers to be vigilant when purchasing sugar products and to report any suspicious or unregulated products to the relevant authorities.
The FCCPC is now investigating the widespread presence of these smuggled sugar products in Nigerian markets and working to ensure stricter enforcement of regulations to protect consumers and local industries.
The Commission has urged consumers to only purchase sugar products from verified and reputable sources, emphasizing the importance of adhering to health and safety standards.
This warning by the FCCPC comes at a critical time as Nigeria continues to combat the economic and health challenges posed by substandard imported goods.
The Commission’s actions aim to ensure that Nigerian consumers are not exposed to unsafe products while supporting the growth of local industries that comply with the necessary regulations.
As the investigation continues, the FCCPC has pledged to hold those responsible for the importation and distribution of substandard products accountable, stressing that public health and fair market practices must be upheld.
