Nigerian regulator finds inadequate fortification in vegetable oil and salt samples

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has revealed that a significant portion of vegetable oil and salt products sold in Nigerian markets fail to meet mandatory fortification standards. The findings were released in a statement signed by Ondaje Ijagwu, the Commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, following a joint investigation with the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN). The survey, which took place over two months, targeted randomly selected markets and households in both the northern and southern regions of the country.

The study analysed a total of 200 samples, consisting of 100 units of vegetable oil and 100 units of salt. According to the FCCPC, 12 per cent of the vegetable oil samples and two per cent of the salt samples were found to be inadequately fortified at the household level. The Commission noted that national food policy requires manufacturers to fortify these common food items with essential micronutrients to combat hidden hunger and improve public health, particularly for children and women of reproductive age.

Background

The investigation utilised a Household Food Fortification Survey methodology, supported by the Digital Fortification Quality Traceability Plus (DFQT+) platform. This digital tool is designed to monitor the quality and traceability of fortified foods from the point of production to consumption. Large-scale food fortification involves adding vitamins and minerals such as iron, folic acid, vitamin A, zinc, and iodine to staple foods during industrial processing.

The breakdown of the samples revealed distinct patterns in branding. Of the hundred vegetable oil specimens examined, 51 carried brand names whereas 49 did not. The branded items comprised 19 units of Devon Kings, 12 of Power Oil, four of Activa, and three each of Golden Penny and Laziz Oil. Single samples represented other labels, including Mamador, Lasor Oil, Golden Terra, Canola, Primo, Zimzitana, Ayarah, Sim, Tadenkey, and Okli. In the salt category, 19 samples were unbranded, while 81 were branded, with Mr Chef accounting for 71 samples and Dangote for 10.

A major concern identified by the Commission was the low level of participation by manufacturers in the DFQT+ platform. Only six vegetable oil producers had registered on the system. Furthermore, only eight results belonging to three of these six companies were uploaded, leaving the majority of the 100 analysed vegetable oil sample results untracked on the digital platform. The FCCPC stated that it had issued directives to defaulting producers to ensure compliance with relevant requirements.

Why it matters

The inadequate fortification of staple foods poses a direct risk to public health, as these products are central to the Nigerian diet. The national policy mandates fortification to address micronutrient deficiencies, and non-compliance undermines efforts to reduce hidden hunger. The FCCPC emphasised that improved product traceability is essential for both consumers and businesses. It allows for the easier identification of quality concerns, promotes transparency, and enables regulators and manufacturers to address supply chain issues efficiently.

According to the Commission, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) were specifically encouraged to adopt product registration and digital traceability. By strengthening quality assurance and accountability across the food supply chain, the industry can better protect consumers and maintain market integrity. The findings highlight a gap between regulatory mandates and on-the-ground compliance, particularly in the tracking of fortified products.

What happens next

The FCCPC instructed manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers to remove consumer products from the market that fail to meet mandatory labelling and fortification standards. This action follows the survey results and aims to enforce the national food policy. The Commission continues to monitor compliance through the DFQT+ platform and has called on all stakeholders to adhere to the directives issued to defaulting producers.