FCCPC Warns Against Using Unsafe Substitutes in Nigeria

• FCCPC warns importers, manufacturers, distributors, and operators in the bakery and confectionery business against compromising food safety.
• The warning comes as rising production costs put pressure on businesses, leading some to consider using unsafe substitutes or misleading labels.
• FCCPC's Executive Vice Chairman emphasized that such practices can lead to reputational damage and potential liability under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018.

Consumers ordinarily had no way of knowing where ingredients came from, how they were stored or the conditions under which products were manufactured. They rely on producers to maintain proper hygiene, use appropriate ingredients, accurately represent their products and supply the quantity promised.

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has issued a warning to importers, manufacturers, distributors, and operators in the bakery and confectionery business against compromising food safety. This warning comes as rising production costs put pressure on businesses, leading some to consider using unsafe substitutes or misleading labels. However, FCCPC's Executive Vice Chairman, Tunji Bello, emphasized that such practices can lead to reputational damage and potential liability under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018. Bello represented the commission at a stakeholder engagement with bakery and confectionery operators in Lagos, where he highlighted the importance of compliance with consumer protection, product safety, quality, and labelling requirements across the sector.

The warning by FCCPC is grounded in the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018, which gives consumers the right to goods that are reasonably suitable for their intended purposes. The Act also prohibits false or incorrect representations, materially misleading representations that were erroneous, fraudulent, or deceptive in the promotion or marketing of goods and services. Section 134 of the Act requires manufacturers, importers, and distributors to label or describe goods in a manner that makes them easily traceable. This emphasis on transparency and accountability is crucial for maintaining consumer trust and confidence in the bakery and confectionery sector.

The warning by FCCPC highlights a key compliance exposure for businesses operating in Nigeria's bakery and confectionery sector, particularly around food safety and product labelling. Operators must ensure they are not compromising consumer protection by using unsafe substitutes or misleading labels, as this can lead to reputational damage and potential liability under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018. The commission's emphasis on compliance with consumer protection, product safety, quality, and labelling requirements is crucial for maintaining consumer trust and confidence in the sector. By prioritizing food safety and transparency, operators can avoid reputational damage and potential liability, while also ensuring that consumers receive goods that are reasonably suitable for their intended purposes.

The warning by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) highlights a key compliance exposure for businesses operating in Nigeria's bakery and confectionery sector, particularly around food safety and product labelling. Operators must ensure they are not compromising consumer protection by using unsafe substitutes or misleading labels, as this can lead to reputational damage and potential liability under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018.

Source: Original reporting via The PUNCH