- Substandard Sugar Alert: The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has alerted Nigerians to the circulation of substandard and unregistered sugar products in markets.
- Health Risks: These low-quality sugar products, primarily smuggled from Brazil, pose significant health risks to consumers, including blindness and other complications due to lack of Vitamin A fortification.
- Affected Brands: Several sugar brands, including Grupo Moreno, Terous, USI S.Joao, Alvean, and Arapora Bionergia, have been identified as failing to meet required health and safety standards.
- Economic Impact: Sugar smuggling undermines fair competition, placing local producers at a disadvantage, and contributes to price manipulation harming the market.
- Reporting Suspicious Products: Consumers are urged to report suspicious or substandard sugar products to the FCCPC via contact@fccpc.gov.ng or official social media channels.
The FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, revealed that investigations uncovered smuggled sugar products lacking vital labeling information, indicating they haven’t been tested for safety. The commission emphasizes the importance of Vitamin A in the diet, particularly for vulnerable groups like children and pregnant women.
To address the issue, the FCCPC is taking strong action and has warned consumers to remain vigilant. If you suspect substandard sugar products, don’t hesitate to report them to the FCCPC.