LAGOS, Nigeria — The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has issued an urgent warning to residents following the discovery of a dangerous trend where dishonest sellers are altering the expiry dates of expired and near-expired goods.
Officials discovered that unscrupulous traders are maliciously manipulating product expiration dates to resell expired goods.
This fraudulent trend has been heavily aided by online tools. Traders are openly purchasing specialized chemical solutions and advanced date-coding devices online to cleanly erase and reprint manufacturer dates.
The General Manager of LASCOPA, Afolabi Solebo, Esq., strongly condemned the act. He emphasized that altering information violates the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency Law of 2025 and turns everyday groceries into toxic risks.
In response, enforcement teams are sweeping through local markets across the state.
Investigators have already uncovered numerous instances of compromised packaging, smudged labels, and highly suspicious date markings.
The state government has announced a strict zero-tolerance policy against retail fraud.
Erring manufacturers, distributors, and shop owners face heavy sanctions, including immediate stock seizure, business closure, and formal prosecution.
To boost these efforts, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has also stepped up market surveillance. The federal regulatory body has ordered a sweeping withdrawal of all improperly labeled food and consumer goods.LASCOPA is now calling on the public to act as the first line of defense. Consumers must meticulously check labels for signs of tampering, scratches, or ink inconsistencies before buying.
Authorities strongly advise buyers to patronize only trusted vendors and always demand purchase receipts. Residents who spot compromised goods should immediately report the businesses through LASCOPA’s official channels or visit their Ikeja office.
