Amanze Chinonye
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has directed manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers to withdraw from sale consumer goods that do not comply with mandatory product-labelling requirements, Prime Business Africa reports.
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The commission issued the directive on Wednesday, citing concerns over the increasing circulation and sale of products carrying incomplete, misleading or deceptive information.
It said market surveillance, routine inspections and quality-assurance activities had identified products without essential information, including production dates, expiry or best-before dates, batch numbers, manufacturer details, ingredient lists, allergen information and country of origin.
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The FCCPC said the directive was issued under relevant provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, which mandate the commission to promote consumer safety and protect consumers’ right to accurate information.
It said manufacturers and other businesses must ensure that their products comply with applicable labelling standards established by competent regulatory authorities, including the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
The commission warned that deceptive, incomplete or misleading labelling could prevent consumers from making informed purchasing decisions and expose them to health, safety and financial risks.
It therefore instructed businesses to immediately review their inventories and remove non-compliant products from the market, warning that continued manufacture, distribution or sale of improperly labelled goods could attract regulatory sanctions.
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The FCCPC also urged consumers to carefully examine product labels before making purchases and avoid goods with missing, illegible, altered or poor-quality labels, as well as those carrying false or misleading claims.
Consumers were advised to report suspected cases of non-compliance through the commission’s official complaint channels.
The FCCPC said it would intensify nationwide market surveillance and enforcement activities in collaboration with relevant regulatory authorities to strengthen compliance with labelling requirements and protect consumers.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
