The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has issued a warning to Nigerians about the increasing circulation of substandard and unregistered sugar products in the country.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the FCCPC disclosed that these dangerous sugar products, many of which are smuggled from Brazil, fail to meet health and regulatory standards.
The Commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, outlined the key concerns associated with these products, which include the popular smuggled brands such as Grupo Moreno, Terous, USI S. Joao, Alvean, and Arapora Bionergia.
Ijagwu emphasized that the substandard sugar products lack essential fortification, particularly Vitamin A, which is crucial for vision and overall health.
“The products, which failed to meet mandatory Vitamin A fortification requirements, pose serious health risks to consumers,” Ijagwu said.
He warned that the absence of this essential nutrient increases the likelihood of health complications like blindness and infections, especially among vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women.
The FCCPC has expressed concern over the economic implications of smuggled, substandard sugar. These products not only pose a danger to consumer health but also threaten the survival of legitimate, compliant sugar producers in Nigeria.
“The influx of smuggled sugar undermines fair competition, placing undue pressure on compliant local producers who adhere to regulatory standards,” Ijagwu explained.
He noted that the manipulation of sugar prices by importers of these substandard products puts both producers and consumers at a disadvantage.
Following a tip-off, FCCPC operatives conducted discreet investigations across the country, particularly in the South-West and North-East regions.
The results were alarming. Many of the smuggled sugar products lacked basic labeling, including production and expiry dates, batch numbers, and the crucial NAFDAC registration number.
These irregularities make it almost impossible for consumers to determine the authenticity and safety of the products they purchase.
Ijagwu revealed that smuggling continues to thrive, with porous borders contributing to the illegal influx of sugar products from neighboring countries like Cameroon and Benin Republic.
This illegal trade not only complicates enforcement efforts but also erodes the integrity of Nigeria’s sugar industry.
“Smuggling, facilitated through porous borders, further complicates enforcement efforts and hampers traceability,” Ijagwu stated.
The Commission is particularly concerned about the effect of these smuggled products on the local economy and consumer trust.
In response to this growing problem, the FCCPC assured the public that it is taking decisive steps to address the issue.
Ijagwu emphasized the Commission’s commitment to protecting consumers through nationwide awareness campaigns about the dangers of consuming non-fortified and substandard sugar products.
He also highlighted the collaborative efforts with other regulatory bodies, including NAFDAC and the Nigeria Customs Service, to enforce strict monitoring and market inspections.
