CurrentReport Blog The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has sounded the alarm over the widespread use of harmful practices in the food supply chain, emphasizing the severe health risks posed by forceful ripening of fruits, adulterated palm oil, and contaminated meat and grains. This urgent call to action was part of a one-day sensitization campaign held in Abuja, aimed at educating food suppliers and sellers about the critical need for food safety.
Dr. Adamu Abdullahi, Acting Executive Vice Chairman of the FCCPC, led the initiative and expressed deep concern over the dangerous shortcuts taken by some traders and farmers to expedite profits at the expense of consumer health. He highlighted the fundamental right of consumers to safe and uncontaminated food, underscoring the importance of maintaining trust and integrity within the food industry.
“Today, we gather to address some of the pressing issues in our food industry—forceful ripening of fruits, adulterated palm oil, contaminated meat, and grains—because these are issues that affect not only our health and well-being but also the integrity of our food supply chain. As we are all aware, food safety is one of your rights as a consumer and it is paramount to our collective health,” Dr. Abdullahi emphasized.
The campaign revealed alarming trends in food production and processing that jeopardize consumer safety and trust. Dr. Abdullahi reiterated FCCPC’s commitment to safeguarding consumers by ensuring access to high-quality, safe food. He outlined the program’s goal to empower stakeholders with the knowledge and tools to combat unsafe food practices effectively.
Throughout the sessions, experts provided insights on identifying and preventing harmful practices such as the use of chemicals for forceful fruit ripening, the dangers of consuming adulterated palm oil, and the health risks associated with contaminated meat and grains. The campaign aimed to equip participants with the necessary information to make informed choices and advocate for safer food practices.
The Acting Executive Vice Chairman also called on market unions and associations to support FCCPC’s efforts to curb the sale of unsafe products in marketplaces.
Mr. Yahaya Kudan, Director of the Consumer and Business Education Department at FCCPC, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to ongoing education campaigns until Nigerian markets are free of adulterated and contaminated food items. He urged participants to propagate the campaign’s message within their networks to achieve the goal of protecting consumers from hazardous food products.
Representatives from the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Ministry of Health, and various market associations commended FCCPC’s initiative. They pledged their support in ensuring the safety and rights of consumers across the country.
As the FCCPC continues its efforts to protect consumer health and uphold food safety standards, the participation and vigilance of all stakeholders remain crucial in the fight against unsafe food practices.
