Rauf Oyewole
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has urged Nigerians to be wary of adulterated palm oil, contaminated meats, grains and forceful ripening of fruits in circulation.
The Commission made this known in Bauchi on Tuesday while sensitising traders and major stakeholders on handling of consumers products and public health. The Acting Executive Director, Dr. Adamu Abdullahi, represented by the Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, Nkechi Mba, while addressing the participants at the programme, said that the Commission is more concerned about the health of consumers.
According to him, forceful ripening of fruits, adulterated palm oil and contaminated meats could lead to serious organ damage. “Mostly, they do these to maximise profits but we have to know that the health of consumers is more important,” he said.
Also speaking, the Director, Consumer and Business Education Department of the Commission, Mr. Yahaya Garba Kudan, said that it is disturbing to note the increasing incidents of harmful practices in food production and processing. According to him, the practice poses significant health risks but also undermines consumer trust in the food industry.
The Commission urged consumers to avoid fruits that have changed colour without sweetness. “Look for signs of false ripening like uneven colour, overly shiny skin and lack of aroma.
“Imported fruits might be harvested early and ripened unnaturally. Choose trusted vendors like farmers’ markets and organic stores.”
Other government agencies that participated at the sensitisation include, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and Ministry of Health.
0 Comments