Modupe Gbadeyanka
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
For flagrant disobedience to a lawful directive from a government agency, the outlet of Bazaar Supermarket on Aromire Street, Ikeja, Lagos has been sealed.
The retail store was closed down on Tuesday by officials of the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA).
A statement issued by the agency explained that the company displayed some items on its shelves with inadequate information like the date of production, expiration and manufacturer’s details.
According to the General Manager of LASCOPA, Mr Afolabi Solebo, during a routine visit to the place on February 24, 2021, some Croaker Steak, Checkerboard Cookies, Peanut Butter and Prawns were found not to have the above details and the management was told to remove them to protect consumers’ rights.
He said this was part of the efforts of the state government to rid the metropolis of all forms of unwholesome products.
However, he lamented that after another visit to the supermarket, the items were still on display for unsuspecting customers to purchase, insisting that such products would not be removed from their shelves until after 21 days.
This infuriated the agency, which sealed the facility, stressing that the era of selling hazardous products to the public without useful information to protect consumers was over.
The GM of LASCOPA said his agency would not fail to initiate litigation if retail shops and supermarkets do not display product information on their commodities.
While charging consumers not to hesitate to report any supermarket or shops within the state where such products are sold, he enjoined residents to always ensure to check the information contained on the label of items about to be purchased.
Mr Solebo, therefore, implored all members of the public to submit their complaints about any infractions on purchased products or services in its office at 2b, Soji Adepegba Close, off Allen Avenue, Ikeja or send correspondence to the agency’s e-mail addresses: [email protected] and [email protected] for necessary action.
Recall that last week, LASCOPA sealed Home Affairs Supermarket in the Ogba area of Lagos State for allegedly displaying expired goods on its shelves.
