Agency Alerts On Expiry Date Fraud In Lagos Markets

The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has raised concern over alleged manipulation of production and expiry dates on expired and near-expired products sold across markets and retail outlets in the state.
The general manager/chief executive officer of the agency, Mr Afolabi Solebo, disclosed this in a statement in Lagos.
Solebo said the trend posed serious risks to public health.
He said devices and chemicals used to erase and reprint product dates were reportedly being circulated online.
The general manager said their misuse could enable unscrupulous traders to reintroduce unsafe products into the market.
“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 during the exercise, cases of suspicious date coding, damaged packaging and questionable products were identified.

He 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 (NAN) .