Jimisayo Opanuga
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has alerted food suppliers and sellers of various consumables to the health implications forced ripening of fruits, adulterated palm oil and food items has on humans.
FCCPC’s acting executive vice chairman, Adamu Abdullahi, made the warning during a sensitisation campaign on Thursday in Abuja.
Abdullahi expressed concerns over the attitude of some traders, retailers and farmers who cut corners in the quest to make quick money, thereby jeopardising the health of consumers.
He explained, “Today, we gather to address some of the pressing issues in our food industry: ripening of fruits, adulterated palm oil, contaminated meat, and grains because these are issues that affect not only our health and well-being but also the integrity of our food supply chain.
“As we are all aware, food safety is one of your rights as a consumer and it is paramount to our collective health,” he said. According to him, it is disturbing to note the increasing incidences of harmful practices in food production and processing and these practices not only pose significant health risks but also undermine consumer trust in the food industry.
“The FCCPC is committed to protecting consumers and ensuring that they have access to safe, high-quality food and this programme is a testament to our dedication to educating and empowering consumers, farmers, vendors, and all stakeholders involved in the food supply chain.
“Throughout today’s sessions, we will hear from experts who will share valuable insights on how to identify and prevent these harmful practices and we will learn about the dangers of forceful ripening, the risks of consuming adulterated palm oil, the hazards of contaminated meat, and how to ensure the quality and safety of grains because our goal is to equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed decisions and advocate for safer food practices in our communities.”
