Concerned citizens in Port Harcourt have urged the Federal Competition Consumers and Protection Commission (FCCPC) to investigate supermarkets and shops allegedly selling expired products, posing health risks to consumers.
The residents shared personal experiences of unknowingly purchasing expired goods, accusing some supermarkets of intentionally selling outdated products to avoid losses.
They expressed concern for the health risks associated with Consuming such products, just as they accused some supermarkets of deliberately selling expired products.
Narrating her experience, one Gloria Imeh said: “I went to a supermarket to buy something I did not check the product for expiring date. When I home and started using it then I noticed that it had expired. I did not return it but I learned my lesson.
“Now when I want to buy any product. Some business persons leave expired products in the shops intentionally because they do not want to lose the money used in purchasing the product. I beg FCCPC to please go into the market and check the goods they selling that will help.”
Another resident Kpene Barisi said some persons buy goods without checking the expiration date.
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“Some will eat it and it will cause damage to the body. Therefore government should do something about it. I feel bad when I buy expired goods, especially when I do not know.”
In reaction, FCCPC assured the residents that it would take action against offenders who may face penalties ranging from N10 million to N100 million fines and prosecution if found guilty.
The Assistant Director for Consumers and Business Education for the FCCPC, South-South zone, Emeka Anyanwu, assured that the commission will take action against those selling any expired goods.
He said: “It is laxity on the part of the service provider to allow any expired product to be on the shelf. Therefore, FCCPC frowns at such and its quality assurance department or surveillance and investigation unit goes out and finds such a thing it is instantly confiscated.
“The penalties are enormous, if one is found wanting he or she is being prosecuted and pays as much as N10 million to N100 million fine, sometimes as well the service provider and the Directors of the company can be prosecuted.”
