Abuja: The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has identified the presence of substandard and unregistered sugar products infiltrating markets, raising health and economic concerns.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, a statement from Mr. Ondaje Ijagwu, Director of Corporate Affairs at the Commission, highlighted that these sugar products, primarily smuggled from Brazil, fail to meet essential Vitamin A fortification requirements. Brands such as Grupo Moreno, Terous, USI S. Joao, Alvean, and Arapora Bionergia were specifically named. The investigation revealed these products lacked proper labeling, including production and expiry dates, batch numbers, and mandatory National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) registration, posing significant health risks to consumers and threatening the integrity of the local sugar industry.
The influx of these smuggled products undermines fair competition by putting undue pressure on local producers who comply with regul
atory standards. Ijagwu urged consumers to verify sugar products’ authenticity by checking for proper labeling and evidence of Vitamin A fortification. The FCCPC, acting on a tip-off, conducted investigations across the country, particularly in the South-West and North-East regions. The absence of Vitamin A fortification in these products increases health risks, including blindness and heightened infection susceptibility, especially among children and pregnant women. The importers of these substandard products engage in price manipulation, impacting genuine producers and consumers.
The sustainability of Nigeria’s sugar industry is jeopardized, with consumer trust eroded due to these activities. Smuggling through porous borders, notably from Cameroun and Benin Republic, complicates enforcement and traceability efforts. The FCCPC is concerned about the economic impact and is working to intensify enforcement and surveillance in collaboration with NAFDAC, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and other relevant age
ncies. This will include enhanced surveillance and follow-up market inspections to disrupt the supply chain of smuggled sugar products. The Commission is also engaging with industry stakeholders to promote compliance with quality standards, protect local producers, and ensure fair competition within the sugar market.