The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has uncovered substandard and unregistered sugar products in Nigerian markets, with a particular focus on regions in the South-West and North-East.
FCCPC spokesperson, Ondaje Ijagwu, revealed in a statement that the fake products are primarily smuggled from Brazil, including brands such as Grupo Moreno, Terous, USI S. Joao, Alvean, and Arapora Bionergia. These products are entering Nigeria through porous borders, particularly from neighboring countries like Cameroon and Benin Republic.
The investigation found that many of these sugar brands lacked essential labeling, including production and expiry dates, batch numbers, and the necessary National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) registration. Additionally, the products failed to meet mandatory Vitamin A fortification requirements, which poses significant health risks, particularly to vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women.
The FCCPC highlighted that these substandard imports create unfair competition by undermining local sugar producers and distorting market prices. Furthermore, the lack of proper fortification with Vitamin A could lead to serious health issues, including blindness and weakened immune systems, which exacerbates public health concerns.
In response, the FCCPC is collaborating with industry stakeholders to enforce quality standards, protect local producers, and ensure fair competition within the sugar market. The commission continues to investigate and take action to address the illegal sugar trade.
