Fake and expired products have been attributed for causing 80% disease or sickness suffered by residents of Imo State, hence the Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) has risen to fish out those who produce adulterated goods with fake or expired NAFDAC number and label.
This anomaly was identified by the Director General of Consumer Protection Commission, Imo State, Hon. Mrs. Obioma Okafor, while addressing guests during the End of the Year Thanksgiving Party and Consumer Compliance Award ceremony, held at the commissions conference hall, Owerri, last week.
Advising consumers to check manufacturing date, label and NAFDAC number of any goods or products before buying or consuming them to avoid the consumption of rotten or fake items for healthy living, Okafor identified that producers and manufacturers of fake drugs, biscuits, drinks, food, sachet water, selling of expired items have been minimally reduced as the commission was able to fish out culprits and destroyed many seized items from them.
According to Okafor, “80% disease or illness adversely affecting people in Imo State today is mainly caused by fake and expired products consumed. Hence we stand against fake manufacturers or producers and those who sell or deal on expired goods and illicit services. A lot of such products have been seized and destroyed. So, consumers have the right to expose and report any fake product manufacturer or expired goods seller or promoter.
She noted that with the help of Governor Hope Uzodimma CPC is able to change the ugly narratives experienced in the commission prior to the coming of the Shared Prosperity administration. We commend the government”.
She added that “consumer protection is our collective responsibility and should not be left in the hands of government alone. This underscores the need for all and sundry to join hands with government to fight adulteration in every form. Of course when products and services are faked, it impacts negatively on the integrity of the genuine products and business goodwill of the producers”.
Okafor who also thanked awardees and others for protecting the rights of consumers in the state, advised those who produce or manufacture and sell fake items in the state to stop or be fished out and penalized in accordance to state law to deter others, vowing that the commission will not rest on its oars to nip in the bud those who indulge in crimes and illicit activities of manufacturing of fake goods and products in the state.
