The Kano State Flavour Dealers’ Association has vowed to prevent the sale of adulterated, expired and unregistered flavour products. The association is working with the Kano State Consumer Protection Council (KSCPC). Its chairman, Malam Abubakar Isah, led members to the council on Monday in Kano. He said the association will collaborate to ensure only quality products are sold. He promised to sensitise members on the dangers of fake products.
Nigeria has a long history of food adulteration. In 2019, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) seized fake food products in Kano and Lagos. In 2021, NAFDAC warned about unregistered flavour enhancers. The problem persists because enforcement is weak and penalties are low. Kano is a major trading hub. Fake products enter through porous borders.
Dr Ibrahim Garba-Muhammad, Executive Secretary of KSCPC, said the council will intensify market surveillance. He said it will remove adulterated products. He urged the association to educate members on relevant laws. He said collaboration will strengthen enforcement. The move follows growing concern about food safety. Consumers are increasingly wary of unregulated products. The council’s powers are limited. It can inspect and seize. It cannot prosecute without the police and courts.
Winners: Consumers, who gain some protection. KSCPC, which shows action. Legitimate dealers, who face less competition from fakes. Losers: Sellers of fake products, who face seizure. Consumers in rural areas, where surveillance is weak. The council, if enforcement fails.
Bottom Line: A pledge to fight fake flavours is welcome. Without prosecution and border control, it remains a pledge.