The Director General of the Imo State Consumer Protection Council (CPC), Dr. Mrs. Obioma Okafor, has strongly warned traders/distributors against repackaging expired or deteriorated products with the intention of selling them to unsuspecting consumers.
Describing the practice as deceptive, dangerous, and unacceptable, Dr. Okafor stressed 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,” she said.
She advised consumers not to be deceived by attractive packaging, while advising traders to 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 traceability.
“Consumers should be cautious of products in suspiciously fresh or unmarked packaging, check the manufacturing and expiry dates carefully, and examine seals, labels, batch numbers, and product information.”
She urged consumers to avoid products with scratched-out, altered, or missing dates; buy from trusted and reputable dealers; keep receipts where possible after making purchases; and 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 said.
The Council reaffirmed its determination to protect consumers from counterfeit, expired, adulterated, and substandard products and to promote fairness and transparency in the marketplace.
Dr. Mrs. Obioma Okafor, Imo State Chairman of Consumer Protection Council (CPC).