Lagos warns consumers as sellers allegedly alter expiry dates on products

The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has issued a warning to consumers about products being sold in the state with altered production and expiry dates. According to the agency, devices and chemicals used to erase and reprint these dates are reportedly being circulated online. LASCOPA's General Manager/CEO, Afolabi Solebo, emphasized that this practice poses a serious risk to consumers and violates the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency Law, 2025, as amended.

Solebo stated, "Consumer safety is non-negotiable. Expired products are being reintroduced into the market with falsified dates, in violation of the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency Law, 2025 (as amended), and this poses significant public health risks." The agency has conducted inspections across all Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas in Lagos State, identifying products with suspicious date coding, damaged packaging, and other questionable features.

LASCOPA warns that offenders could face sanctions, including the seizure of products, closure of business premises, and prosecution. The agency advises consumers to pay close attention to product labels, check for inconsistencies, and buy only from trusted vendors. LASCOPA also encourages manufacturers to adopt clear and standardized labelling methods for batch numbers and expiry information.

Consumers are urged to report suspicious products or suspected violations through the agency's designated channels, emphasizing that consumer safety is a shared responsibility.