Imported low-quality sugar can cause blindness, other health implications — FCCPC warns
By Fatai Kasal
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has issued a stern warning about the health risks associated with the importation of low-quality sugar into Nigeria. The commission revealed that consuming substandard sugar can lead to severe health consequences, including vision impairment and other serious medical conditions. This warning comes as the FCCPC discovered the presence of substandard and unregistered sugar products in the Nigerian market.
According to a report released on Wednesday via the commission’s X (formerly Twitter) handle, the affected sugar brands were smuggled into Nigeria from Brazil, including products from Grupo Moreno, Terous, USI, Joano Avean, and Arapora Bionergia. These products, the FCCPC stated, failed to meet mandatory Vitamin A fortification requirements, posing significant health risks to consumers, particularly by undermining the credibility of the local sugar industry.
The commission’s investigation, prompted by a reliable tip-off, targeted markets in the South West and North East regions. Findings revealed that many of the identified sugar products lacked essential labelling information, including production and expiry dates, batch numbers, and NAFDAC registration numbers. Furthermore, these products were found to be deficient in Vitamin A, an essential nutrient that supports good vision and immune health, increasing the risk of blindness and making vulnerable groups, such as children and pregnant women, more susceptible to infections.
The FCCPC also expressed concerns about the broader economic impact of these substandard products. The influx of smuggled sugar distorts market prices, undermines fair competition, and places undue pressure on compliant local producers who adhere to regulatory standards. Price manipulation by importers of these substandard products harms both consumers and legitimate producers, jeopardising the sustainability of the Nigerian sugar industry and eroding consumer trust in the market.
The commission highlighted the challenges posed by porous borders, particularly with neighbouring countries like Cameroon and Benin Republic, which facilitate the smuggling of these harmful products.
To address the issue, the FCCPC has vowed to take decisive action, in line with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018. This includes heightened consumer education campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of non-fortified and substandard sugar products.
The Commission urged Nigerian consumers to verify the authenticity of sugar products by checking for proper labelling, NAFDAC registration, and evidence of Vitamin A fortification.
In collaboration with NAFDAC, the Nigeria Customs Service, and other relevant agencies, the FCCPC is intensifying enforcement efforts to disrupt the supply chain of smuggled sugar and ensure compliance with quality standards. The commission is also engaging with industry stakeholders to protect local producers and foster fair competition within the sugar market. Consumers are encouraged to report any suspected substandard or unregistered sugar products to the FCCPC.
