The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has urged manufacturers and other stakeholders in the food supply chain business to register with the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
The agency also harped on inclusion and display of comprehensive and genuine information about consumable products at strategic places where such information could be easily seen.
LASCOPA’s General Manager, Mr Afolabi Solebo, made the call during an unscheduled monitoring visit to some supermarkets and grocery stores in Lagos State, according to a statement.
The statement was issued by the Chief Affairs Officer of the agency, Mrs Toyin Oni, on Monday in Lagos.
He said that the call became necessary due to concerns about the presence and sale of unregistered foods and consumables in some supermarkets and grocery stores across the state.
He said that some of them also lacked product information.
Solebo said that proliferation of some unregistered dairy products and their derivatives posed significant risks to public health and safety.
He, therefore, called on supermarkets, restaurants, grocery stores and other establishments selling products such as ice-creams, yoghurts and their derivatives, baking and bakery products, and drinks, to exercise due diligence and ensure registration of their products.
He said they should also ensure that their products contained detailed information such as the NAFDAC number and production and expiry dates, in order not to inadvertently offer unsafe food to unsuspecting consumers.
The general manager said that the agency did not intend to witch-hunt any business or entrepreneur with genuine intentions.
He, however, warned that the agency would not rest on its oars in ensuring protection of the interests of the consuming public.
“LASCOPA feels pleased with the growth of businesses across the state but frowns at sale of products that are disastrous to consumers’ health,” he said.
