FCCPC Raises Alarm Over Cancer – Laced Food Products in Nigeria

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has sounded a loud alarm over the increasing circulation of adulterated and contaminated food items in Nigerian markets, warning that some of these products could lead to cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

The explosive revelation came during a one-day public sensitization campaign held in Kano on Tuesday, where the FCCPC, in no uncertain terms, called on Nigerians to be vigilant about what they eat.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the FCCPC, Mr. Olatunji Bello represented by the Director of Quality Assurance, Dr. Nkechi Mbah said the commission is taking decisive action against unscrupulous food vendors and manufacturers who compromise public health for profit.

“We are seeing rampant cases of forced fruit ripening using calcium carbide, adulteration of palm oil with harmful additives, and sale of chemically contaminated meat and grains. These are serious health hazards, with some linked to chronic diseases including cancer,” Mbah warned.

She stressed that the FCCPC will not hesitate to prosecute individuals and businesses found culpable, stating, “Consumer health is non-negotiable. We are deploying the full weight of the law to ensure food safety across the country.”

Also speaking, the Director of Consumer and Business Education, Malam Yahaya Garba Kudan, said the commission is doubling down on efforts to educate both consumers and traders on the risks associated with toxic food practices.

“This programme is part of a nationwide drive to create awareness. People need to know the difference between healthy and harmful products.

Enlightenment is key,” he said.
The event featured technical sessions with experts like Umar Adamu Riruwai from the Kano State Ministry of Health, who dissected the health implications of food adulteration, and Dahiru Ismail from the Ministry of Agriculture, who tackled the causes and prevention of food contamination.

The campaign drew participants from various sectors, including market associations, regulatory bodies, and consumer rights groups. FCCPC’s Zonal Coordinator for the North West, Mr. Hassan Abdulhamid, was also in attendance.

With food adulteration now a growing public health crisis, the FCCPC is urging Nigerians to be their own watchdogs—read labels, ask questions, and report suspicious food products.