Kano govt seals shops, arrests traders over alleged expiry date alteration

The Kano State Consumer Protection Council, KCPC, has sealed some shops at Singer Market and arrested traders allegedly involved in altering the expiry dates of expired milk powder for resale.

The council carried out the operation in collaboration with the leadership of the market following a tip-off from the market association.

In a statement, the Director of Public Enlightenment of the council, Jamilu Mustapha Yakasai, said the operation was led by the Director of Operations, Auwalu A. Muhammad.

Mr Yakasai said the council immediately deployed its officers to investigate the allegation after receiving the report, leading to the arrest of the suspected traders and the sealing of the affected shops.

He said the council was determined to protect consumers from the sale of expired products and other goods whose expiry dates, labels, conditions or quality had been unlawfully altered.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the council, Ibrahim Garba Muhammad, said the agency would not allow traders or individuals to violate consumers’ rights through such practices.

He warned that anyone found engaging in the illegal alteration of product expiry dates or the sale of adulterated and substandard goods would be prosecuted.

Dr Muhammad also commended the leadership of the market traders’ associations for their cooperation with the council in tackling the circulation of adulterated and substandard products.

He said the partnership would strengthen efforts to protect public health and safeguard consumers’ rights.