The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has cautioned stakeholders in the food value chain against harmful practices that threaten public health.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the commission, Olatunji Bello, delivered the warning on Tuesday during a one-day sensitisation campaign in Kano on “Food Quality Standards, Safety Regulations, and Fair Business Practices.”
Represented by the Director of Quality Assurance and Development, Dr Nkechi Mba, Bello said the campaign aimed to raise awareness about the dangers of food adulteration and the need for strict compliance with national food safety laws. He stressed that ensuring food safety is a shared responsibility involving farmers, processors, vendors, and consumers.
The initiative, he explained, forms part of the FCCPC’s broader strategy to educate Nigerians on how to identify adulterated food, recognise the risks of chemically ripened fruits, and understand how to lodge complaints or seek redress.
Bello emphasised that access to safe, nutritious, and unadulterated food is a fundamental human right and a vital component of public health and national security. He noted that the commission is collaborating with agencies such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to strengthen compliance and safeguard consumers.
He urged food processors, vendors, and business operators to maintain high hygiene standards, ensure proper packaging and labelling, and avoid deceptive practices. Those prioritising profit over safety, he warned, would face legal consequences.
Bello also encouraged consumers to remain vigilant and promptly report cases of adulteration or unsafe food practices.
“Food safety is everyone’s responsibility, and the FCCPC is committed to fostering a fair, transparent, and safe marketplace,” he said.
He further urged collective action from all stakeholders to eliminate dangerous practices and promote accountability in the food sector. “A nation that poisons its people cannot prosper. We are all consumers — an injury to one is an injury to all. Together, we can build a healthier and safer Nigeria,” he added.