) The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has raised concerns over alleged manipulation of production and expiry dates on expired and near-expired products sold across markets and retail outlets.
The General Manager/Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Mr Afolabi Solebo, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos,.
Solebo said that the trend posed serious risks to public health.
He said that devices and chemicals used to erase and reprint product dates were reportedly being circulated online.
The general manager said that their misuse could enable unscrupulous traders to reintroduce unsafe products into the market.
“Consumer safety is non-negotiable.
“Expired products are being reintroduced into the market with falsified dates in violation of the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency Law, 2025 (as amended), and this poses significant public health risks,” he said.
According to him, LASCOPA enforcement teams have conducted inspections across all local government areas and local council development areas of the state.
He said that during the exercise, cases of suspicious date coding, damaged packaging and questionable products were identified.
The LASCOPA boss warned that offenders would face strict sanctions, including seizure of products, closure of business premises and prosecution in accordance with the law.
He urged consumers to remain vigilant by carefully inspecting product labels for smudged or altered dates, compromised packaging and other inconsistencies.
Solebo also advised Lagos residents to patronise only trusted vendors and retain purchase receipts as proof of transactions.
He called on manufacturers to adopt clear and standardised labelling practices, particularly with respect to batch numbers and expiry information to curb the growing menace.
The general manager reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to sustained monitoring and enforcement activities to safeguard consumer rights and public health.
He encouraged Lagos residents to report suspicious products through LASCOPA’s dedicated channels, including telephone lines 081 2499 3895 and 091 5389 4878, email at lasgcopa@gmail.com, official social media platforms or by visiting its office in Ikeja.
Solebo reiterated the need for collective responsibility in tackling the issue.
He said that consumer safety remained a shared responsibility.
He advised residents to be vigilant, verify products before buying and promptly report any suspected violations. (NAN)
