THE Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), has warned food vendors against adulteration of goods and produce.
The Executive Chairman, Mr Olatunji Bello, said this during a one-day sensitisation campaign on forced ripening of fruits, adulteration of palm oil, contaminated meat and grains, yesterday, in Uyo.
Represented by Dr Nkechi Mba, the Director of Quality Assurance and Development in the Commission, Bello said that any vendor that places profit over public safety would faced sanction.
He explained that FCCPC being the apex consumer protection commission with mandate to protect consumer interest in the country would continue to ensure fair market practices and prevent endangering of consumers in all sectors of the economy.
Bello added that food adulteration and forced fruits ripening in markets were dangerous to health and urge the vendors to desist from such act.
According to him, food safety is everyone’s responsibility and FCCPC remained firmly committed to working with all stakeholders to build a market place that is fair, transparent and safe for consumers.
“Upholding food safety and quality is not only a legal obligation but a moral duty,” Bello said.
Earlier, the Director, Consumer and Business Education, FCCPC, Mr Yahaya Gudan, reminded consumers of their right to good health.
Gudan said that the issue of food adulteration and forced ripening of fruits were issues that affected not only the health and wellbeing but also the integrity of food chain.
He said that the practices posed significant health challenge and undermined consumer trust in the food industry.
In his remarks, the state Coordinator of NAFDAC, Mr John Naeche, warned that using chemical to ripen fruits was dangerous to health and should be stopped.
Also Speaking, a participants, Mrs Nkoyo Etim, said that information learnt at the workshop would be disseminated to other market women to ensure safety of food and avoid adulteration. NAN
