By Abdullahi Jalalludeen
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has cautioned Nigerians against the consumption of contaminated food items, citing serious health hazards including the risk of cancer.
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Mr. Olatunji Bello gave the warning during a one-day sensitization programme organised by the commission in Kano.
He said the aim of the campaign was to focused on curbing the menace of forced fruit ripening, adulterated palm oil, contaminated meat, and grains.
Represented by the Director of Quality Assurance at the commission. Dr. Nkechi Mbah, highlighted the grave danger posed by food adulteration, emphasizing that such practices not only threaten public health but also violate consumer protection laws.
“The FCCPC strongly urges the public to desist from purchasing and consuming adulterated and contaminated food products. These items have been linked to chronic health conditions including cancer, and we are committed to prosecuting and sanctioning those found culpable in the sale and distribution of such products,” .
She further explained that the commission is intensifying efforts to educate the public and enforce existing regulations, in a bid to safeguard consumer health and promote food safety nationwide.
The Director of Consumer and Business Education at the FCCPC, Malam Yahaya Garba Kudan, reitered the commissions readiness to curbing the menace food adulteration among Nigerians .
“We organised this programme to enlighten traders, regulators, and consumers on the dangers of consuming contaminated food items. Awareness is key, and this engagement will help empower communities to make informed decisions that enhance public health and safety,”
The event featured key presentations from experts including Umar Adamu Riruwai of the Kano State Ministry of Health, who spoke on “Food Adulteration: Health Risks and Prevention,” and Dahiru Ismail from the Kano State Ministry of Agriculture, who discussed “Causes and Prevention of Food Contamination.”
The sensitisation session was attended by various stakeholders from both public and private sectors, including the FCCPC Zonal Coordinator for the North West Zone, Kano, Mr. Hassan Abdulhamid.
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