The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has sealed the Abuja premises of Apples and Pears Limited for alleged production, stock piling of unwholesome consumable products.
A statement by the FCCPC’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Babatunde Irukera said the location is currently under seal, and will remain so until the Commission and NAFDAC have confiscated the expired or unwholesome products, and are otherwise satisfied that Apple and Pears can, and will operate safely and legally.
Irukera said: “The Commission became aware of representations appearing to show that a consumer, (and presumably others) purchased Laziz vegetable oil in sachets produced by Apple & Pears Ltd from their retail/storage location in Abuja.
“The representation suggested that the food products purchased were expired, even at the time of purchase.
“Upon further investigation and reconnaissance, the Commission discovered the company’s primary facility on the Lagos-Ibadan Express Way.
“Although locked, innocuous and without signage, the Commission also identified the specific location in Abuja where the company had stored its products.
“Having sufficient initial evidence to proceed on enforcement, the Commission conducted investigations at both the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, and Abuja locations.
“The Commission discovered unreasonably large and inexplicable inventories of Laziz salad cream, Laziz mayonnaise, Laziz vegetable oil in sachets, and Laziz Thousand Island salad cream.
“In addition, the Commission uncovered what appears to be unapproved and unsafe production, decanting, or repackaging of vegetable oil at the Abuja location.
The Commission commended the patriotism of citizens who bring these pieces of information to its attention and encouraged consumers to exercise their prerogatives and discretion to notify the Commission of conduct that is considered unsafe, illegal, or unsatisfactory.
