The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has warned food vendors against adulteration of goods and produce.

FCCPC’s executive chairman, Olatunji Bello, said this during a one-day sensitisation campaign on the forced ripening of fruits, adulteration of palm oil, contaminated meat and grains on Wednesday in Uyo.

Represented by Nkechi Mba, the Director of Quality Assurance and Development in the commission, Mr Bello said that any vendor placing profit over public safety would face sanctions.

He explained that the FCCPC, being the apex consumer protection commission with a mandate to protect consumer interests in the country, would continue to ensure fair market practices and prevent endangering of consumers in all sectors of the economy.

Mr Bello added that food adulteration and forced fruit ripening in markets were dangerous to health and urged the vendors to desist from such acts.

“Across the country and around the world, there is a need for strict adherence to food regulations as a matter of urgent public interest.

“Unsafe food not only endangers lives but also undermines trust in markets, disrupts trade, and damages the reputation of large and small businesses,” he said.

Earlier, Yahaya Gudan, director of consumer and business education at the FCCPC, reminded consumers of their right to good health.

Mr. Gudan said the issues of food adulteration and forced ripening of fruits affected not only the health and well-being but also the integrity of the food chain.

He said the practices pose a significant health challenge and undermine consumer trust in the food industry.

In his remarks, the state coordinator of NAFDAC, John Naeche, warned that using chemicals to ripen fruits was dangerous to health and should be stopped.

A participant, Nkoyo Etim, said that the information learnt at the workshop would be disseminated to other market women to ensure the safety of food and prevent adulteration.

(NAN)