Reps Demand Crackdown on Fake Food, Drinks and Bottled Water

The House of Representatives has called for tougher action against fake, adulterated and substandard food and beverages in Nigeria, warning that unsafe products pose a serious threat to public health.

The lawmakers made the call on Tuesday, October 20, after adopting a motion of urgent public importance during plenary. The motion, sponsored by Abubakar Yalleman, urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to curb the production, distribution and sale of counterfeit food products, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, beverages and bottled water.

The House also urged the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to strengthen nationwide surveillance, inspections, laboratory testing and enforcement against unsafe products.

During deliberations, lawmakers raised concerns about manufacturers and distributors allegedly involved in counterfeiting established brands, altering product labels and expiry dates, using contaminated ingredients and illegally refilling containers.

The lawmakers cited previous enforcement operations, including a raid on an alleged counterfeit alcohol operation at Zamfara Plaza on Lagos Island and the discovery of an unregistered fruit-juice factory in Badagry, Lagos State.

They warned that such practices could expose consumers to food poisoning and other serious health complications, particularly where products are manufactured under unhygienic conditions or contain unsafe ingredients.

The House further called for stronger collaboration among regulatory agencies, security organisations and state governments to improve enforcement and prevent counterfeit products from reaching consumers.

The resolution adds to growing concerns about the safety and quality of food and drinks sold across Nigerian markets. However, its impact will depend on how effectively the relevant agencies implement the proposed measures, sustain inspections and hold offenders accountable.

Consumers have also been urged to check product seals, labels and expiry dates and report suspected counterfeit or adulterated products to the appropriate authorities.