The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) raised the alarm over the availability of low standard sugar product, which pose serious health risks to consumers due to lack of required amount of Vitamin A fortification.

A statement signed by the Director, Corporate Affairs, ondaje Ijagwu said the smuggled brands from Brazil, including Grupo Moreno, Terous, USI S. Joao, Alvean and Arapora Bionergia have infiltrated the Nigerian market to undermine the integrity of the local sugar industry, and contribute to price manipulation that harms the market.

Ijagwu said investigations across the country,  particularly in the South-West and the North-East,  revealed that many of the identified sugar products lacked normal labeling, including production and expiry dates, batch numbers, and the mandatory National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) registration.

He said lack of fortification with Vitamin A, which is a critical nutrient essential for good vision, immune health and well-being,  exposes Nigerian consumers to serious health risks, including blindness and increased susceptibility to infections, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women.

The FCCPC further said the  influx of the smuggled sugar undermines fair competition, placing undue pressure on compliant local producers who adhere to regulatory standards while also manipulating  price and jeopardising the sustainability of the Nigerian sugar industry and also erodes consumer trust in the market.

The Commission suspects that the products are smuggled into the country through the porous borders, particularly from neighboring countries such as Cameroun and Benin Republic, further complicates enforcement efforts and hampers traceability.

FCCPC has reassured the general public that, consistent with the provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, it is taking decisive steps to address this issue. “The Commission is committed to educating consumers about the dangers of non-fortified and substandard sugar products through nationwide awareness campaigns. Nigerian consumers are encouraged to verify the authenticity of sugar products by ascertaining they carry proper labeling, including NAFDAC registration and evidence of Vitamin A fortification.

“The FCCPC is intensifying enforcement and surveillance in collaboration with NAFDAC, the Nigeria Customs Service, and other relevant agencies to enhanced surveillance and follow-up market inspections to disrupt the supply chain of smuggled sugar products.

“The FCCPC is also engaging with industry stakeholders to promote compliance with quality standards, protect local producers, and foster fair competition within the sugar market, it stated.

They further advised consumers to remain vigilant and report any suspected substandard or unregistered sugar products to the FCCPC, through the Commission’s email, contact@fccpc.gov.ng, or its official social media channels.