Food fraud: Consumer commission warns of rice weight deception

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) is urging Nigerians to be vigilant when buying rice as they celebrate Easter and the forthcoming Eid al-Fitr.

A recent operation at the Garki Modern Market in Abuja uncovered instances of misleading weight claims on rice bags, the regulator said.

“The operation aimed to verify the accuracy of product claims on 25kg and 50kg bags of rice,” said Adamu Abdullahi, Acting Executive Vice Chairman of the FCCPC.

“Our findings revealed discrepancies between the weight claims and the actual content; such practices not only violate the FCCPA but also exploit consumers through deceptive means.”

Why This Matters:

Rice is a staple food for countless Nigerian households, and its price has skyrocketed in recent times. A 50kg bag that cost around N7,500 a decade ago now exceeds N80,000. In the face of the current unprecedented cost-of-living crisis, being ripped off with false weights on rice would be a double blow for many Nigerians already struggling to put food on the table.

Consumer Rights and Taking Action:

Mr. Abdullahi emphasized consumers’ rights under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA). Section 125 prohibits businesses from making false or deceptive claims about products. Additionally, Section 138 holds manufacturers, importers, and distributors liable for misleading information.

He said the commission has issued summons to the perpetrators, who will be required to only “provide a written undertaking to cease the deceptive practices.”

“A Mutual Supervisory Understanding (MSU) will also be issued to monitor compliance,” he said, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.

“As we approach the festive season, like every other season, the FCCPC encourages consumers to demand and insist on full value for money.”

Here’s what you can do:

• Verify the weight of rice bags before purchase.
• Report any inconsistencies in weight to the FCCPC at https://fccpc.gov.ng/.
• Be aware of your rights under the FCCPA.