The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has issued a stern warning to importers, manufacturers, distributors, and operators within the bakery and confectionery sector against compromising food safety or using unsafe substitute ingredients to offset mounting operational costs.
Speaking at a stakeholder engagement session hosted by the FCCPC’s South-West Zonal Office at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Executive Vice Chairman Tunji Bello represented by South-West Zonal Coordinator Dr. Olubunmi Otti acknowledged the severe economic pressures facing the industry. Rising prices for essential inputs such as flour, sugar, energy, transportation, and equipment are heavily straining profit margins. However, Bello made it clear that while commercial realities are challenging, financial pressure can never justify practices that endanger consumer health or violate basic rights.
The Commission warned businesses against resorting to substandard chemical additives, neglecting sanitation during production and storage, or misleading the public through manipulated expiration dates, inaccurate weights, and false labeling. Because bread and other baked goods are daily staples for millions of Nigerians who cannot independently verify the sourcing or hygiene behind these products, the FCCPC emphasized that consumer protection extends across the entire supply chain from raw material procurement and manufacturing to packaging, transportation, and retail display. Under Section 134 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, all products must be clearly labeled to ensure full traceability back to their manufacturer or importer.
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Reinforcing the Commission’s stance, Akinwumi Isola, Head of Quality Assurance and Development at the South-West Zonal Office, noted that while enforcement penalties remain an active tool, the primary objective is to foster voluntary compliance through continuous industry dialogue and education. He urged bakery and confectionery operators to prioritize long-term consumer safety over short-term gains by investing in robust quality management systems, conducting regular staff training on hygiene standards, maintaining detailed production logs, addressing customer complaints promptly, and establishing swift recall protocols whenever safety concerns arise.
Information provided by Edfrica is for awareness purposes only and does not constitute a guarantee or endorsement.
