FCCPC Discovers Substandard, Unregistered Sugar Products in Nigerian Markets
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has raised alarm over the circulation of low-quality and unregistered sugar brands in Nigerian markets, particularly those smuggled from Brazil. A statement released on November 20, 2024, highlights concerns that these sugar products fail to meet essential health standards, including the mandatory fortification with Vitamin A, which poses significant health risks to consumers.
Brands such as Grupo Moreno, Terous, USI S. Joao, Alvean, and Arapora Bionergia have been flagged by the FCCPC for distributing these substandard products. The commission’s statement revealed that these sugar products often lack key labeling information, such as production and expiry dates, batch numbers, and crucial NAFDAC registration details.
“Many of these products are not properly labeled, missing vital information like production and expiration dates, batch numbers, and NAFDAC registration. Even more alarming, most of these products are not fortified with Vitamin A, a crucial nutrient that supports good vision, immune function, and overall health. The lack of fortification exposes consumers to serious health risks, including potential blindness and higher vulnerability to infections, especially for vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women,” the statement reads.
Threat to Local Sugar Manufacturers
The FCCPC also highlighted the adverse impact of these smuggled products on local sugar manufacturers. By flooding the market with substandard sugar, these illegal imports create unfair competition, undermining the profitability and sustainability of legitimate, compliant producers. The commission pointed out that smugglers often manipulate prices, deceiving consumers and putting legitimate manufacturers at a disadvantage.
“The entry of substandard sugar into the market undermines fair competition and creates significant challenges for local producers who adhere to regulatory standards. The manipulation of prices by importers of these subpar products not only deceives consumers but also disrupts the local sugar industry, eroding both consumer trust and the sustainability of compliant manufacturers,” the FCCPC warned.
The commission also noted that porous borders, particularly those with neighboring countries like Cameroon and the Benin Republic, make it difficult to control the influx of smuggled products, further complicating enforcement and traceability efforts.
FCCPC’s Response and Action Plan
In light of these developments, the FCCPC has intensified efforts to combat the distribution of unregistered and substandard sugar through a range of initiatives, including:
1. Consumer Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public about the dangers of consuming unregistered and non-fortified sugar products.
2. Enhanced Surveillance and Enforcement: Working closely with agencies such as NAFDAC and the Nigeria Customs Service to disrupt the supply chain of smuggled sugar.
3. Stakeholder Engagement: Encouraging industry players to uphold quality standards and fair business practices, promoting healthy competition within the sugar sector.
The FCCPC has urged consumers to be vigilant and ensure that the sugar products they purchase are properly labeled, including confirmation of Vitamin A fortification and NAFDAC registration. The commission is committed to improving market integrity and protecting public health through continued collaboration with regulatory bodies and industry stakeholders.
