FCCPC alerts consumers to low-quality sugar products in Nigerian markets

*The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission says the affected sugar products that have failed to meet mandatory Vitamin A fortification requirements pose ‘serious health risks to consumers, undermine the integrity of the local sugar industry, and contribute to price manipulation that harms the market’ in Nigeria

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has said it uncovered the availability of substandard and unregistered sugar products in Nigerian markets.

The market regulatory Commission said the substandard products involved particularly smuggled brands from Brazil, including Grupo Moreno, Terous, USI S. Joao, Alvean and Arapora Bionergia.

Mr. Ondaje Ijagwu, Director of Corporate Affairs at FCCPC, who disclosed this development in a statement Wednesday, November 20, 2024, noted sugar products, which failed to meet mandatory Vitamin A fortification requirements, “pose serious health risks to consumers, undermine the integrity of the local sugar industry, and contribute to price manipulation that harms the Nigerian sugar market.

Pursuant to Sections 17(j), (l) (s), 116 (2), 124, 125, 138 and 155 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, the statement disclosed the FCCPC operatives, acting on a tip-off, conducted discreet investigations across the country, particularly in the South-West and North-East.

The Commission also said: “The investigations revealed that many of the identified sugar products lacked normal labelling, including production and expiry dates, batch numbers, and the mandatory National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) registration.

“Even more concerning, most of the products were not fortified with Vitamin A, a critical nutrient essential for good vision, immune health, and overall well-being.”

Ijagwu further noted the absence of this 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.

According to the Director of Corporate Affairs, the FCCPC is also deeply concerned about the economic impact of these products.

“The influx of smuggled sugar undermines fair competition, placing undue pressure on compliant local producers who adhere to regulatory standards.

“Importers of these substandard products engage in price manipulation to the detriment of genuine producers and consumers, while pretending that the products are genuine,” said the Commission.

It equally stressed this “jeopardises the sustainability of the Nigerian sugar industry and also erodes consumer trust in the market.

“Smuggling, facilitated through porous borders, particularly from neighboring countries such as Cameroun and Benin Republic, further complicates enforcement efforts and hampers traceability.”

The statement said: “FCCPC wishes to reassure the general public that, consistent with the provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, it is taking decisive steps to address this issue.

The Commission is committed to educating consumers about the dangers of non-fortified and substandard sugar products through nationwide awareness campaigns. Nigerian consumers are encouraged to verify the authenticity of sugar products by ascertaining they carry proper labelling, including NAFDAC registration and evidence of Vitamin A fortification.”

Ijagwu disclosed the FCCPC is intensifying enforcement and surveillance in collaboration with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and other relevant agencies.

He noted: “These efforts include enhanced surveillance and follow-up market inspections to disrupt the supply chain of smuggled sugar products.

“The FCCPC is also engaging with industry stakeholders to promote compliance with quality standards, protect local producers, and foster fair competition within the sugar market.”

The Commission, therefore, urged consumers to remain vigilant, and report any suspected substandard or unregistered sugar products to the FCCPC.

Reports can be made through the Commission’s e-mail: contact@fccpc.gov.ng, or its official social media channels, stated Ijagwu.

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