The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) says 12 percent of vegetable oil samples randomly tested across Nigerian markets have failed national food fortification standards.
In a statement released on Thursday by Ondaje Ijagwu,
director of corporate affairs, the commission said the survey was conducted
over two months in randomly selected markets and households across northern and
southern Nigeria.
“The results of the analysis of 200 samples (comprising 100
each of vegetable oil and salt) in the study by FCCPC and GAIN showed that 12
percent of the oil and 2 percent of the salt were inadequately fortified at
household level,” the statement reads.
“Among the 100 vegetable oils sampled, 49 were unbranded
while 51 were branded. The branded included Devon Kings – 19, Power Oil – 12,
Activa – 4, Golden Penny – 3, Laziz Oil – 3, Mamador – 1, Canola – 1, Primo
Vegetable Oil -1, Zimzitana Oil – 1, Ayarah Oil – 1, Sim – 1, Tadenkey – 1, and
Okli – 1.”
For salt, the FCCPC said 19 of the samples were unbranded
while 81 carried brands: Mr Chef accounted for 71 of the branded samples, while
Dangote accounted for 10.
The commission said the digital fortification quality
traceability plus (DFQT+) platform, developed by GAIN to track fortified food
products from production to consumption, saw limited participation from
manufacturers.
According to the FCCPC, only six vegetable oil producers had
registered, and just eight results from three of the six companies were
uploaded among the 100 vegetable oil sample results analysed.
“Better product traceability will benefit both consumers and
businesses. It makes it easier to identify quality concerns, improves
transparency and helps manufacturers and regulators address problems across the
supply chain,” the FCCPC said.
The commission said defaulting producers have been issued a
directive compelling them to comply.
“Also, the Commission has escalated the development to the
National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for
further action, in line with the Memorandum of Understanding between them,” the
agency said.
The FCCPC said Nigeria’s food policy mandates manufacturers
to fortify their products with essential vitamins and minerals, including iron,
folic acid, vitamin A, zinc, and iodine.
The commission said large-scale food fortification involves
adding these nutrients to widely consumed staple foods and condiments during
industrial processing to address micronutrient deficiencies and reduce hidden
hunger.
The FCCPC urged manufacturers, particularly micro, small,
and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), to embrace product registration and
digital traceability.
The consumer protection body also encouraged consumers to
pay attention to fortified foods and proper product handling and storage.
Tunji Bello, executive vice-chairman and chief executive
officer (CEO) of FCCPC, said consumers should be able to trust the quality of
products they purchase, and the benefits those products are expected to
provide.
He said consumer protection goes beyond resolving complaints
and addressing harmful business practices.
The CEO said regulators must also ensure consumers receive
the value and benefits they are entitled to expect from products in the
marketplace.
Bello said businesses are responsible for maintaining
appropriate quality standards and ensuring their products meet applicable
requirements.
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