The FCCPC has raised alarm over substandard sugar imports in Nigeria, warning of severe health risks and economic impacts on local industries.

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has sounded a warning to Nigerians about the dangers posed by substandard and unregistered sugar products flooding local markets.

The FCCPC revealed that these low-quality sugar products, predominantly smuggled from Brazil, threaten public health and undermine the competitiveness of Nigeria’s sugar industry.

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In a statement on Wednesday, Ondaje Ijagwu, the FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, disclosed that an investigation uncovered several unregistered brands, including Grupo Moreno, Terous, USI S.Joao, Alvean, and Arapora Bionergia.

These products failed to meet essential health and safety standards, particularly the mandatory Vitamin A fortification required by Nigerian authorities.

“The absence of Vitamin A fortification in these products poses serious health risks to consumers, including blindness and increased susceptibility to infections.

It also damages the integrity of the local sugar industry and distorts market pricing,” said Ijagwu.

The FCCPC highlighted key findings from its investigations, conducted across regions such as the South-West and North-East.

The illicit sugar products were found to lack critical labelling information, including production and expiry dates, batch numbers, and National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) registration numbers.

“This absence of proper labelling indicates the products have not been tested for safety, further increasing risks to consumers,” Ijagwu noted.

The commission stressed the importance of Vitamin A in diets, particularly for vulnerable groups like children and pregnant women, and warned that its deficiency could lead to blindness and other severe health complications.

Beyond health concerns, the FCCPC raised alarms about the economic impact of these illegal imports. The influx of smuggled sugar undermines fair competition, placing regulatory-compliant local producers at a disadvantage.

Smuggling operations are reportedly facilitated by Nigeria’s porous borders, especially through neighbouring countries like Cameroon and Benin Republic. These challenges complicate enforcement efforts and hinder traceability.

To combat the issue, the FCCPC assured Nigerians it is intensifying efforts to eliminate substandard sugar from the market. The agency urged consumers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious products.

Reports can be made via email at contact@fccpc.gov.ng or through the FCCPC’s official social media platforms.

This warning reinforces the need for collective efforts to safeguard public health and uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s sugar industry.