Coronavirus: FG shuts down Abuja supermarket selling ‘illegally imported seafood’ from China

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has closed Panda supermarket in the federal capital territory (FCT) as a precautionary measure to the outbreak of coronavirus.

The commission said the supermarket imported seafood and other animals from China illegally.

In a series of tweets on Wednesday, the commission said it also discovered that the store had expired products on its shelves.

“FCCPC inspected Panda Supermarket; Jabi on credible reports that it discriminated and had a concealed area for Asian nationals. Allegation confirmed, seafood and animals imported illegally from China discovered,” it tweeted.

“Store closed in abundance of caution considering coronavirus. Products with expired and irregular shelf life were also discovered at Panda Supermarket, Jabi, Abuja yesterday.

“Regulatory activities to remove all offensive products from the Supermarket continues.”

UPDATE: FCCPC inspected Panda Supermarket; Jabi on credible reports that it discriminated & had a concealed area for Asian nationals. Allegation confirmed, seafood & animals imported illegally from China discovered. Store closed in abundance of caution considering Coronavirus. pic.twitter.com/g5WInVcJm2

— FCCPC Nigeria (@fccpcnigeria) January 29, 2020

The death toll from the disease that broke out in Wuhan, China, has risen to 132 in that country.

According to the South China Morning Post, the country recorded 840 new cases in Hubei province, while Germany and Vietnam have patients who had contact with people linked to Wuhan.