The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has flagged the circulation of substandard and unregistered sugar products in Nigerian markets. These smuggled brands, primarily from Brazil—such as Grupo Moreno, Terous, USI S. Joao, Alvean, and Arapora Bionergia—fail to meet the mandatory Vitamin A fortification standard and lack proper labeling, including NAFDAC registration, production dates, and batch numbers.
The FCCPC highlighted that these products pose severe health risks, including blindness and increased vulnerability to infections, particularly affecting children and pregnant women. Beyond the health concerns, the influx of these low-quality products undermines the local sugar industry by creating unfair competition and manipulating market prices.
Smuggling through porous borders from neighboring countries like Cameroon and Benin Republic exacerbates the issue, making enforcement and traceability more challenging.
The Commission is intensifying enforcement in collaboration with NAFDAC, Nigeria Customs Service, and other stakeholders to disrupt the supply chain of these substandard products. Consumers are urged to verify sugar products for proper labeling and Vitamin A fortification and to report suspicious items via FCCPC’s official channels.
The FCCPC reiterated its commitment to educating the public and protecting consumers while fostering fair competition within the sugar market.
