The Lagos State Government has raised the alarm over the circulation of expired and near-expired products allegedly being reintroduced into the market through the falsification of production and expiry dates.
The warning was issued by the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), following concerns over the alleged manipulation of product dates on goods being sold across markets, shops and retail outlets in the State.
The General Manager/Chief Executive Officer of LASCOPA, Afolabi Solebo, Esq., disclosed that devices and chemicals reportedly capable of removing original production and expiry dates from products are being circulated online.
According to him, the availability and misuse of such materials could make it easier for expired products to be repackaged and returned to the market with falsified dates, thereby exposing unsuspecting consumers to potential health risks.
Solebo stressed that consumer safety remains a major priority for the State Government, warning traders and businesses involved in the practice that such actions violate existing consumer protection regulations.
“Consumer safety is non-negotiable,” he stated, noting that expired products are allegedly being reintroduced into circulation with altered dates.
He explained that the practice contravenes the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency Law, 2025, as amended, and could have serious consequences for public health.
LASCOPA therefore urged consumers to exercise greater caution when purchasing food, beverages, medicines, cosmetics and other products with expiry dates, particularly from unverified sources.
The Agency also encouraged members of the public to carefully inspect product labels, packaging and expiry information before making purchases and to report suspected cases of date manipulation or the sale of expired goods to the appropriate authorities.
The Lagos State Government reiterated its commitment to protecting residents from unsafe and substandard products while strengthening enforcement measures to ensure that businesses comply with consumer protection laws.
The Agency warned traders and distributors against compromising public safety for profit, stressing that deliberate manipulation of product information would not be tolerated in Lagos.
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