FCCPC survey finds inadequately fortified vegetable oil, salt samples in Nigerian markets

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has revealed that inadequate fortification was found in some vegetable oil and salt samples from markets across Nigeria, in a study conducted in collaboration with the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN). This disclosure was made in a statement signed by Ondaje Ijagwu, the Director of Corporate Affairs at the FCCPC.

The survey was carried out over two months in randomly selected markets and households in both northern and southern regions of the country. The FCCPC used the Household Food Fortification Survey and the Digital Fortification Quality Traceability Plus (DFQT+) platform to monitor and trace the fortified food products. The analysis of 200 samples, with 100 samples of both vegetable oil and salt, revealed that 12% of the oil and 2% of the salt samples were inadequately fortified at the household level.

Among the vegetable oil samples, 49 were unbranded and 51 were branded, while the salt samples comprised 19 unbranded and 81 branded products, including Mr Chef (71) and Dangote (10) brands. The FCCPC also noted that only six vegetable oil producers registered on the DFQT+ platform, with only eight results belonging to three of the six companies being uploaded.

The Commission emphasized the importance of better product traceability for consumers and businesses, enabling easier identification of quality concerns, improved transparency, and assistance in addressing supply chain issues. The FCCPC called on manufacturers, especially micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), to adopt product registration and digital traceability.

They also encouraged increased consumer awareness about the significance of fortified foods and proper product handling and storage. The FCCPC forwarded this issue to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for further action, as per their Memorandum of Understanding. FCCPC's Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Tunji Bello, stressed that consumers must have confidence in the quality of the products they purchase and the benefits they offer.

He reiterated that businesses are responsible for maintaining appropriate quality standards and ensuring their products comply with applicable requirements. In a related consumer protection action, the FCCPC is also investigating the cement industry due to concerns about price manipulation. The Commission's investigation into possible pricing manipulation in the cement industry followed reports of high retail cement prices in Nigeria, despite the country's abundant limestone deposits, domestic production, and reported surplus installed capacity.