Timothy Omobude 
In a recent operation visitation to the field, the Edo State Consumer Protection Committee, CPC, has seized several suspected fake and substandard products from two supermarkets in Benin City following an inspection exercise.
The affected supermarkets are Anambra Supermarket and Market Square, both located along Aduwawa Road.
The inspection, which took place at the weekend was led by the committee’s chairman, Mr Iyamu Osaro Culture.
During the exercise, the team reportedly discovered and confiscated several suspected fake products, including Soya Beans, PG Soya Milk Powder, Helbs Food Palm Oil, Stumbrass Vodka, Leondel Sol, Status Paly Red Wine, Maxpen and 3-in-1 Custard, among others.
The committee also imposed fines on the affected establishments, directing that payments be made to the Edo State Board of Internal Revenue Service.
However, the committee clarified that other major products inspected at the supermarkets were found safe for consumption.
As part of efforts to strengthen consumer protection and improve product verification, the chairman also trained top management staff of both establishments on how to operate the NAFDAC Automated Product Administration and Monitoring System and used QR code scanners to identify fake and expired products.
The committee disclosed that its inspection at Market Square was not concluded due to time constraints and would resume on Monday, November 9.
He said the exercise forms part of its ongoing efforts to safeguard consumers’ health and protect their rights in line with the Governor’s Agenda.
