The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has alerted the public to the circulation of substandard and unregistered sugar products in Nigerian markets.
It stated that the low-quality sugar, primarily smuggled from Brazil, poses significant health risks to consumers and undermines the integrity of the country’s local sugar industry.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, revealed that investigations uncovered several sugar brands, including Grupo Moreno, Terous, USI S.Joao, Alvean, and Arapora Bionergia, which failed to meet required health and safety standards.
Ijagwu noted that these illegally imported brands do not meet the mandatory Vitamin A fortification requirements set by Nigerian authorities, potentially putting consumers at risk of blindness and other health complications.
“The products, which failed to meet mandatory Vitamin A fortification requirements, pose serious health risks to consumers, undermine the integrity of the local sugar industry, and contribute to price manipulation that harms the market,” Ijagwu said.
FCCPC investigations across key regions, including the South-West and North-East, revealed that the smuggled sugar products lacked vital labelling information such as production and expiry dates, batch numbers, and, crucially, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control registration numbers.
The commission added that this lack of proper labelling indicates the products have not been tested for safety, heightening risks to Nigerian consumers.
It emphasised the importance of Vitamin A in the diet, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women.
“The absence of this fortification exposes Nigerian consumers to serious health risks, including blindness and increased susceptibility to infections,” Ijagwu warned.
Beyond the health risks, the FCCPC expressed concern about the economic impact of these illicit sugar products.
It noted that sugar smuggling undermines fair competition and places local producers, who comply with regulatory standards, at a significant disadvantage.
The agency explained that the smuggling is reportedly facilitated through porous borders, particularly from neighbouring countries like Cameroon and the Benin Republic, complicating enforcement efforts and hindering traceability.
The FCCPC reassured the public that it is taking strong action to address the issue.
Consumers have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or substandard sugar products to the FCCPC. Reports can be made via the commission’s email at [email protected] or through its official social media channels.
