By Nsan Ndoma-Neji, Calabar
The Consumer Protection Agency has destroyed fake and expired consumable goods worth millions of naira in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.
The expired consumables destroyed by the agency at its headquarters, Okoi Arikpo’s House, along Murtala Mohammed Highway include snacks, drugs, beverages, cosmetics, and toiletries, confiscated from brisk businessmen from local markets in Cross River State.
The products were burnt by officials of the agency after failing quality test conducted by the agency.
This destruction is part of the significant operation carried out by the agency to safeguard public health and commemorate the 2025 World Consumer Rights Week, with the theme ‘A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyle.’
At the destruction ground, the Director General, DG, Consumer Protection Agency, Dr. Charles Ushie, advised consumers to be vigilant whenever they visit the market or shops to purchase consumables.
Ushie urged consumers to check for production and expiry dates, batch numbers, NAFDAC certification, and ISO numbers on foreign products to ensure their safety and authenticity.
He said, “The governor’s support has been instrumental in empowering the agency to effectively combat and eliminate unsafe consumables from the market space, thereby protecting the health and well-being of residents in the state.”
In his remarks, one of the agency’s directors, Barr. Paul Adinya, expained that “the agency is legally mandated to confiscate adulterated, substandard, expired, and uncertified products, and prosecute those involved in the distribution of such.”
The chairman of the Etim Edem Market Association, Mr. Eke Eke, expressed satisfaction with the agency’s efforts, acknowledging that their operations have significantly reduced the risk of illnesses and fatalities associated with consuming substandard and expired products.
He affirmed the traders’ readiness to cooperate with the agency to ensure that only quality, genuine, and certified products are sold to consumers.
As part of the event, the agency organized rallies across various markets in the Calabar metropolis, including Watt Market, Etim Edem Park, Akim Market, Marian Market, and Ikot Ishie Market to sensitise traders and consumers, conduct checks for expired and substandard consumables, and promote awareness about consumer rights and safety.
