The Federal Government has warned those involved in food adulteration and forced ripening of fruits in markets to desist from such practices or face the wrath of the law.
The Executive Vice Chairman Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Mr Olatunji Bello, gave the warning while addressing market women during a one-day sensitisation programme titled “Forced Ripening of Fruits, Adulterated Palm Oil, Contaminated Meat, and Grains” in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Wednesday.
Represented by the Director of Quality Assurance and Development, Dr Nkechi Mba, in the commission, Bello explained that the commission, being the apex consumer protection body in Nigeria, has the statutory mandate to promote consumer interests to ensure fair market practices and prevent dangerous conduct in all sectors of the economy, including agricultural sector.
“Let it be known that any operator who places profit over will face the full wrath of the law. To the food industry stakeholders: Note that the future of your businesses depends on your integrity. Upholding food safety and quality is not only a legal obligation but a moral duty.”
The Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission urged consumers to be knowledgeable and vigilant, informed, and always demand the standard deserved, adding that sensitisation exercise offers a platform to inform, educate, and empower both consumers and industry stakeholders to foster greater awareness on importance of proper food handling, labelling, regulatory compliance and ethical conduct in market place.
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Bello disclosed that the sensitisation campaign was part of the commission’s strategy to educate Nigerians on how to identify adulterated or contaminated food, dangers of consuming chemically ripened fruits and avenues for lodging complaints and seeking redress.
He added,” Food safety is everyone’s responsibility, and FCCPC remains firmly committed to working with all stakeholders to build a marketplace that is fair, transparent, and safe for consumers.”
In his welcome remarks, the Director Consumer and Business Education Mr Yahaya Garba, reminded consumers of their right to good health
“It is disturbing to note increasing incidences of harmful practices in food production and processes in Nigeria.”
