FCCPC SEALS THREE AWADA MILK FACTORIES OVER ALLEGED SAFETY VIOLATIONS

By Eberechukwu Ezekigbo

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has sealed three milk production factories in Awada, Idemili North Local Government Area(LGA) of Anambra State, over alleged violations of food safety and production standards.

The enforcement operation, carried out on July 14, by FCCPC officials with the support of security operatives, led to the destruction of freshly produced milk found in containers and awaiting packaging.

Speaking during the exercise, the South East Zonal Coordinator of the FCCPC, Mrs. Ndidiamaka Obialor, alleged that the affected factories were producing dairy products under conditions that fell short of acceptable hygiene and safety standards, posing potential health risks to consumers.

According to her, preliminary findings indicated that workers handled the products without appropriate personal protective equipment and that the production processes did not comply with established food safety requirements.

Obialor alleged that the factories neither used properly treated water nor carried out quality analysis on finished products before distributing them to the market.

She reiterated the commission’s commitment to protecting consumers from unsafe products and promoting compliance with established production and safety regulations.

“The FCCPC will not tolerate practices that endanger the health and safety of consumers. We will continue to enforce standards and ensure that manufacturers comply with regulatory requirements,” she said.

During the operation, police officers accompanying the enforcement team arrested one of the factory owners, while equipment and other production materials were confiscated as part of the ongoing investigation.

The commission assured members of the public that enforcement activities would continue to safeguard consumer rights and prevent substandard products from reaching the market.

Eberechukwu Ezekigbo is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State