FCCPC Moves Against Adulterated, Contaminated Palm Oil,Others

As part of measures to ensure food safety and quality, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC, has organized a one day sensitization campaign against forceful ripening of fruits, adulterated palm oil, contaminated meat and grains.

Speaking during the sensitization campaign in Abuja, the Acting Executive Vice Chairman of FCCPC, Dr Adamu Abdullahi expressed concern over the attitude of some traders, retailers and farmers who cut corners in the quest to make quick money thereby jeopardizing the health of consumers.

“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 and as we are all aware, food safety is one of your rights as a consumer and it is paramount to our collective health”, he said.

According to him, it is disturbing to note the increasing incidences of harmful practices in food production and processing and these practices not only pose significant health risks but also undermine consumer trust in the food industry.

In his words: “The FCCPC is committed to protecting consumers and ensuring that they have access to safe, high-quality food and this programme is a testament to our dedication to educating and empowering consumers, farmers, vendors, and al stakeholders involved in the food supply chain”.

“Throughout today’s sessions, we wil hear from experts who will share valuable insights on how to identify and prevent these harmful practices and we will learn about the dangers of forceful ripening, the risks of consuming adulterated palm oil, the hazards of contaminated meat, and how to ensure the quality and safety of grains because our goal is to equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed decisions and advocate for safer food practices in our communities”, Dr Abdullahi explained.

The Acting Executive Vice Chairman of FCCPC who decried the attitude of some Market Unions and Associations called for the support of all stakeholders in the fight against Consumers’ extortion and sales of unwholesome products in market places.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Director, Consumer and Business Education Department in FCCPÇ, Mr Yahaya Kudan said the sensitization campaign would be a continuous one until Nigerian markets are rid of adulterated and contaminated food items.

Mr Kudan therefore advised the participants to take the message of the campaign to their members and places of business and markets towards realizing its objectives of safeguarding consumers from sharp practices.

Other speakers at the sensitization programme which includes Representatives of SON, NAFDAC, Ministry of Health and Market Associations commended FCCPC for enlightening them on the dangers of adulterated and contaminated foods in market places and promised to support FCCPC in its efforts at protecting Consumers’ rights in the country.

Highlight of the sensitization programme was paper presentations by Experts on adulterated and contaminated foods.

Mathew Ayoola, Edited By Grace Namiji