The Federal Government has cautioned vendors across the country against selling force-ripened fruits, warning that anyone caught engaging in the practice will face stiff penalties.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Mr Olatunji Bello, gave the warning yesterday during a one-day sensitisation programme held in Gombe State.
The event focused on the dangers of force-ripened fruits, adulterated palm oil, and contaminated meat and grains. Bello, who was represented by the Director of Quality Assurance and Development, Dr Nkechi Mba, said force-ripened fruits pose serious health risks to consumers. He stated that the commission would ensure strict enforcement of food safety standards in collaboration with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and other relevant regulatory bodies. He also warned sellers of adulterated palm oil and contaminated food products to cease harmful practices, urging farmers, processors, vendors, and traders to maintain hygiene, avoid unsafe chemicals, label products accurately, and respect consumer rights.
According to Bello, the FCCPC has a statutory duty to protect consumers and ensure fair competition in the marketplace.
He explained that the sensitisation exercise was designed to inform, educate, and empower both consumers and industry stakeholders on proper food handling, accurate labelling, regulatory compliance, and ethical conduct in trade and business.
