Those involved in the adulteration of food and forced ripening of fruits will face stiff sanctions, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has said.
The Executive Vice Chairman, FCCPC, Mr. Olatunji Bello said this while addressing market women during a one day sensitization programme on Forced Ripening Of Frits, Adulterated Palm Oil, Contaminated Meat and Grains in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state.
Bello admonished traders especially food sellers not to place profit above the safety of Nigerians, adding that defaulters will face wrath of the law .
Represented by the Director of Quality Assurance And Development Dr. Nkechi Mba in the Commission, he explained that the FCCPC being the apex consumer protection body in Nigeria has the statutory mandate to promote consumer interests to ensure fair market practices and prevent danger conduct in all sectors of the economy and agricultural sector.
“Let it be known that any operator who places profit over will face the full wrath of the law ” To the food industry stakeholders: Note that the future of your businesses depends on your integrity.
”Upholding food safety and quality is not only a legal obligation but a moral duty.” Bello warned consumers to be knowledgeable and vigilant, informed and always demand the standard deserved.
He said the sensitization exercise offered a platform to inform , educate and empower consumers and industry stakeholders to foster greater awareness on importance of proper food handling , labelling , regulatory compliance and ethical conduct in market place.
Bello disclosed that the sensitisation campaign was part of the commission’s strategy to educate Nigerians on how to identify adulterated or contaminated food, dangers of consuming chemically ripened fruits and avenues for lodging complaints and seeking redress. ”
Food safety is everyone’s responsibility and FCCPC remains firmly committed to working with all stakeholders to build a market place that is fair, transparent and safe for consumers”.Director
Director Consumer and Business Education, Mr. Yahaya Garba reminded consumers of their right to good health ” It is disturbing to note that increasing incidences of harmful practices in food production and processes,” he stated.
One of the participants Mrs Nkoyo Etim while interacting with journalists said information obtained at the workshop will be disseminated to other market women to help them combine safety in their fruit business.
According to her: “We are happy for this workshop .We will pass this information to other women selling fruits in the market . We would also make sure that chemicals are not used to ripen fruits due to danger associated with it as taught in this workshop.”
COURTESY: vavalue
