The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has raised concerns over the nutritional quality of some vegetable oil and salt products sold in Nigerian markets after a survey found that several samples failed to meet national food fortification standards.
The findings followed a two-month assessment conducted by the commission in partnership with the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN).
According to a statement issued on Thursday by Ondaje Ijagwu, FCCPC Director of Corporate Affairs, 200 samples, comprising 100 vegetable oil and 100 salt samples, were analysed during the exercise.
The survey covered randomly selected markets and households across northern and southern Nigeria.
The analysis revealed that 12 per cent of the vegetable oil samples and two per cent of the salt samples were inadequately fortified at the household level.
Food fortification involves adding essential vitamins and minerals to commonly consumed products to address nutritional deficiencies and improve public health.
FCCPC identifies gaps in food fortification
The commission disclosed that 49 of the 100 vegetable oil samples examined were unbranded, while 51 carried identifiable brand names.
Among the branded vegetable oils, Devon Kings accounted for 19 samples, Power Oil 12, Activa four, while Golden Penny and Laziz Oil had three samples each.
Other brands identified included Mamador, Canola, Primo Vegetable Oil, Zimzitana Oil, Ayarah Oil, Sim, Tadenkey and Okli.
For salt, 19 of the 100 samples were unbranded, while 81 carried identifiable brands.
Mr Chef accounted for 71 of the branded salt samples, while Dangote accounted for 10.
The FCCPC, however, did not identify specific brands as having failed the fortification test in its published findings.
Only six vegetable oil producers registered on tracking platform
Beyond the fortification concerns, the commission identified poor participation by manufacturers in the Digital Fortification Quality Traceability Plus (DFQT+) platform developed by GAIN.
The platform is designed to monitor fortified food products from production to consumption, improving transparency and accountability across the supply chain.
According to the FCCPC, only six vegetable oil producers had registered on the platform.
Furthermore, just eight results from three of the six registered companies were uploaded among the 100 vegetable oil sample results analysed.
The commission said improved product traceability would help consumers and businesses identify quality concerns, strengthen transparency and enable manufacturers and regulators to address problems across the supply chain.
It disclosed that directives had been issued compelling defaulting producers to comply with applicable requirements.
The findings have also been escalated to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for further action under the existing Memorandum of Understanding between both agencies.
FCCPC explains importance of food fortification
The commission explained that Nigeria’s national food policy requires manufacturers to fortify designated products with essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, folic acid, vitamin A, zinc and iodine.
Large-scale food fortification involves adding these nutrients to widely consumed staple foods and condiments during industrial processing.
The intervention is aimed at addressing micronutrient deficiencies and reducing hidden hunger, particularly among vulnerable groups such as preschool children and women of reproductive age.
The FCCPC urged manufacturers, especially micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), to embrace product registration and digital traceability systems.
It also encouraged consumers to pay attention to fortified food products and ensure proper handling and storage.
Tunji Bello speaks on consumer protection
FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Tunji Bello, said consumers should be able to trust the quality of products they purchase and the benefits those products are expected to provide.
He explained that consumer protection goes beyond resolving complaints and addressing harmful business practices.
According to Bello, regulators must also ensure that consumers receive the value and benefits they are entitled to expect from products available in the marketplace.
He further stressed that businesses have a responsibility to maintain appropriate quality standards and ensure their products meet applicable regulatory requirements.
