The Anambra State Government has warned manufacturers and distributors of fake and adulterated food, drugs and other health-related products in the state to desist from the practice or face prosecution.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, issued the warning during a meeting with the management of the Ministry of Health, where measures to curb the production, distribution and consumption of counterfeit and adulterated products in the state were discussed.
Obidike said the state government was determined to protect residents from products capable of endangering their health, stressing that individuals and businesses involved in the production or distribution of fake products would no longer be allowed to operate unchecked.
He noted that some of the health challenges becoming prevalent in the state could be linked to the consumption of fake, substandard or adulterated products by residents.
The commissioner warned that anyone found producing, distributing or selling such products would face the full weight of the law.
He said the government would deploy all necessary measures to identify and stop individuals and businesses involved in the harmful practice, adding that offenders would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Obidike also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspected cases of fake or adulterated products to the appropriate authorities.
He assured residents that the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with relevant government agencies, would intensify monitoring and enforcement activities across the state to rid the market of harmful products.
The commissioner declared that the state government was coming “in full force” against individuals and businesses whose activities threatened the health and wellbeing of the people.
He further urged residents to patronise genuine products and avoid purchasing food, drugs and other health-related products from questionable sources.
“If you know you are producing fake or adulterated products, your days are numbered. The state government, through the Ministry of Health, is coming after you,” Obidike warned.
