Imo CPC Admonishes All Food Vendors on Selling of Fake Products
During a one-day seminar for food vendors in Imo state, the Director-General of Imo State Consumer Protection Council (CPC), Hon. Mrs Obioma Okafor, admonished hotel owners, fast food outlets, restaurants, eateries, shawarma joints, and all food vendors in Imo state to ensure that their consumers are protected at all times against fake products.
The seminar which took place on Thursday, September 28th, 2023, at 9am, at the CPC Auditorium opposite ISOPADEC office in New Owerri, witnessed a huge turnout as the vendors in the state has identified with the council.
The seminar which was aimed at raising awareness about consumer rights and needs and to caution food vendors not to compromise on the standard and quality of goods and services they provide, recorded a huge success.
According to her, Counterfeit products are goods, often of inferior quality, made or sold under another’s brand name without the brand owner’s authorization.
The spread of counterfeit goods is worldwide, with the global value of all counterfeit goods estimated at $650 billion annually, increasing to $1.77 trillion by 2015.
Dr. Ben Ogenyi spoke on the topic of what counterfeit is and what isn’t. Counterfeit goods exist in virtually every industry sector, including food and beverages.
He further noted the dangers of buying counterfeit products aren’t always obvious, and there are economic impacts, legal implications, and health and safety risks that are important to know before buying. Some of the most dangerous counterfeit products involve automotive parts, electronics, safety equipment, prescription drugs, and cosmetics due to the potential harm they can cause. Food vendors must ensure that they are not selling counterfeit products to their customers. Counterfeit goods can cause injuries and support criminal activities, such as forced labor or human trafficking.
Consumers should be aware of the risks associated with counterfeit products and avoid purchasing them.
Rounding off, the DG Imo CPC affirmed that, ones a Consumer right is infringe upon can seek a redressal through the council 3Rs and 3Ss of report, repair and refund, when you see anything that is not good, say it and CPC will sort it.
