… Intensifies Crackdown On Expired, Hazardous Products
As part of activities commemorating World Health Day, the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of Lagosians through sustained market surveillance and enforcement operations.
The General Manager, LASCOPA, Afolabi Solebo Esq., disclosed that the Agency recently carried out an extensive enforcement exercise across over 200 stores and supermarkets within the State. This operation resulted in the discovery, seizure, and removal of a significant volume of expired, substandard, and hazardous products from circulation.
He noted that such products pose serious health risks to consumers if left unchecked, stressing that the Agency will continue to enforce strict compliance with consumer protection laws.
According to him, erring businesses were sanctioned in accordance with existing regulations.
Solebo further highlighted that the Agency operates dedicated Scientific Investigative Research, as well as Monitoring and Enforcement departments, which work collaboratively to protect Lagosians from unsafe and substandard products.
He revealed that approximately 80 per cent of hazardous products in circulation are linked to poor handling and improper storage. He therefore urged manufacturers and distributors to strengthen public sensitisation on proper product storage and handling to maintain quality and safety standards.
The General Manager also advised consumers to remain vigilant by checking product labels, expiry dates, and overall quality before making purchases. He called on members of the public to promptly report cases of consumer rights violations to the Agency for swift intervention.
He said his team has been embarking on sensitisation, consumer education and public enlightenment exercises in previous years. He also cautioned that prolonged exposure of plastic-bottled liquids to heat and sunlight may cause chemical substances from the plastic to leach into the contents, compromise product quality, and pose potential health risks to consumers.
He also advised the residents to avoid exposing bottled water, soft drinks, and other consumable liquids to direct sunlight for extended periods, as well as reusing single-use plastic bottles, especially for storing drinking water.
The General Manager seized the opportunity to advise Lagosians to patronise products that are properly stored and handled by vendors and the manufacturer.
“Health is not merely the absence of illness, but a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being. As consumers, the choices we make daily on what we eat, drink, and use have a direct impact on our overall health,” he stated.
He assured Lagosians that LASCOPA will continue to intensify its enforcement drive to rid the market of unsafe products and uphold consumer rights across the State.
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