The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) on Thursday, February 25, sealed off the Home Affairs Supermarket located at 21, Ijaye Road, Ogba.
Speaking on the enforcement exercise, the General Manager of LASCOPA, Afolabi Solebo Esq, disclosed that the supermarket was sealed for displaying expired products, such as Kelloggs Krave (Chocolate Hazelnut) and Frozen foods, on their shelves for possible sale to unsuspecting consumers.
He noted that despite several public enlightenment campaigns and warnings by LASCOPA, Store managers still sell expired and hazardous products which are inimical to human health in contravention of the State government's directives on the sale of unwholesome goods.
“I, personally, discovered the expired items on the supermarket shelves on the 23rd of February, 2021, while on a routine check of supermarkets in the area. On discovering the expired products, I told the staff to remove the items from the shelves, which they did in my presence, only for the monitoring and enforcement team to go there the following day and discovered that the items have been returned to the promo shelf.” he said.
He noted that the Agency had to seal Home Affairs Supermarket in the interest of the general consumers in the state, adding that LASCOPA would not fail to initiate litigation if retail shops and supermarkets do not stop displaying expired products for sale.
While charging consumers not to hesitate to report any supermarket or shops within the State where expired products are sold, he enjoined residents to submit their complaints free of charge by visiting the office of LASCOPA at 2b, Soji Adepegba Close, off Allen Avenue, Ikeja or send correspondence to the Agency’s e-mail addresses: lascopa@lagosstate.gov.ng and lascopa@gmail.com for necessary action.