The Director General of the Imo State Consumer Protection Council (Imo CPC), Honourable (Dr.) Mrs. Obioma Okafor, has issued a strong warning to traders and distributors who deliberately repackage expired or deteriorated products in fresh-looking packages and return them to the market for unsuspecting consumers to buy.
Dr. Okafor described the practice as deceptive, dangerous and unacceptable, stressing that changing the package of an expired product does not make it safe for consumption.
«"An expired product does not become safe simply because it has been placed in a new package. Consumers must not be deceived by attractive packaging, while traders must understand that the health and safety of the public cannot be sacrificed for profit."»
She noted that such practices can make it difficult for consumers to identify the original manufacturer, expiry date, batch number and other important information needed to determine whether a product is safe.
The Director General urged consumers to be particularly vigilant when buying food items, beverages, cosmetics, household products and other packaged goods sold without proper labels or traceable information.
Consumers Should:
- Be cautious of products in suspiciously fresh or unmarked packaging.
- Check the manufacturing and expiry dates carefully.
- Examine seals, labels, batch numbers and product information.
- Avoid products with scratched-out, altered or missing dates.
- Buy from trusted and reputable dealers.
- Keep receipts where possible after making purchases.
- Report suspected repackaged or expired products to Imo CPC.
Dr. Okafor further warned traders involved in the practice to desist, noting that the Council will continue its market surveillance and enforcement activities to identify and remove unsafe products from circulation.
She encouraged consumers to become the eyes of the Ministry in the marketplace, stressing that timely reports from the public can help prevent dangerous products from reaching homes and families.
"If you discover a product whose packaging or expiry information appears suspicious, don't ignore it. Report it. Your report may save another consumer from harm" she added
The Council reaffirmed its determination to protect consumers from counterfeit, expired, adulterated and substandard products and to promote fairness and transparency in the marketplace.
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