The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has directed producers of inadequately fortified vegetable oil and salt to comply with national food fortification standards following findings that some products sold in Nigerian markets contain insufficient levels of essential vitamins and minerals.

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‎The directive followed a two-month survey conducted by the Commission in partnership with the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) across selected markets and households in northern and southern Nigeria.

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‎Analysis of 200 samples, comprising 100 vegetable oil and 100 salt samples, revealed that 12 per cent of the vegetable oil samples and two per cent of the salt samples were inadequately fortified.

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‎The survey also identified low participation by manufacturers in GAIN’s Digital Fortification Quality Traceability Plus platform, designed to monitor fortified food products from production to consumption.

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‎According to the FCCPC, only six vegetable oil producers were registered on the platform, while just eight test results from three companies had been uploaded, raising concerns about manufacturers’ commitment to digital monitoring and quality assurance.

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‎The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Tunji Bello, said consumers deserve products that meet established quality standards and provide the expected nutritional benefits.

He emphasised that manufacturers have a responsibility to comply with applicable regulations and ensure the quality of their products.

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‎The Commission disclosed that it had escalated the matter to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for further action in line with the existing agreement between both agencies.

It also urged manufacturers, particularly small-scale businesses, to embrace product registration and digital traceability systems.

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‎The FCCPC further encouraged consumers to understand the importance of fortified foods and adopt proper product storage practices to preserve their nutritional value.

He stressed the need for collective responsibility among regulators, manufacturers and consumers in ensuring access to safe and adequately fortified food products.