FCCPC cautions importers against unsafe substitutes

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has cautioned importers, manufacturers, distributors, and other stakeholders in the bakery and confectionery business against using unsafe substitutes and misleading consumers. This warning comes as rising production costs put pressure on businesses in the sector.

During a stakeholder engagement with industry operators, Tunji Bello, the Executive Vice Chairman of FCCPC, emphasized the importance of compliance with consumer protection, product safety, quality, and labelling requirements. Bello stressed that food safety and consumer confidence are critical responsibilities for operators, as baked products are consumed daily by millions of Nigerians.

He explained that the FCCPC's engagement aimed at strengthening compliance across the production chain, from sourcing and quality of ingredients to handling, packaging, labelling, storage, transportation, and display. The FCCPC warned operators against resorting to unsafe substitutes, harmful additives, low-quality ingredients, compromised hygiene, manipulated expiry dates, or other shortcuts that place commercial risks on consumers.

The commission also cautioned against misleading consumers through product labels, advertisements, and other marketing channels. Bello highlighted that the FCCPA prohibits false or incorrect representations, materially misleading information in the promotion or marketing of goods and services. The FCCPC Southwest Zonal Office stressed the importance of effective regulation through continuous dialogue, stakeholder education, transparency, and mutual respect.

They urged operators to prioritize consumer safety over short-term commercial interests and invest in quality management systems, food safety culture, staff training, accurate production records, and effective traceability.