FCCPC Moves Against Misleading Product Labels

Manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers have been given a fresh directive to pull non-compliant consumer goods from the market as the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) intensifies checks on product labels.

The commission said its surveillance and inspection activities had uncovered goods carrying deceptive information or lacking basic details needed by consumers before making purchases.

Among the information found missing on some products were production, expiry or best-before dates, batch numbers, manufacturer details, ingredient lists, allergen information and country of origin.

The FCCPC, in a public advisory issued yesterday, directed businesses to review their inventories and immediately withdraw products that fail to meet applicable labelling requirements.

It said proper labelling was not merely a regulatory requirement, but an important part of protecting consumers from health, safety and economic risks.

The commission said misleading or incomplete information could prevent consumers from making informed decisions about products they purchase.

Its directive was issued pursuant to sections 17(p), (w), (x), 114, 116, 123 and 125 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018.

The FCCPC said it was empowered under the law to promote consumer safety and ensure compliance with labelling standards established by competent regulatory bodies, including the Standards Organisation of Nigeria and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.

It warned businesses that continued sale or distribution of products that failed to comply with the requirements could result in regulatory enforcement action.

Consumers were also advised to take a more careful look at product information before purchasing goods, particularly where labels appeared missing, illegible, altered or poorly produced.

The commission urged the public to avoid products containing false claims or other misleading information and report suspected breaches through its official complaint channels.

It said nationwide surveillance and enforcement would continue in collaboration with relevant regulatory authorities as part of efforts to improve compliance and strengthen consumer protection.