The Managing Director, McNichols Consolidated Plc, Mr. Chimaneke Ekpe, has warned Nigerians against using imported sugar, saying it lacks vitamin A as recommended by National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.
Ekpe, who stated this during the company’s 10th anniversary, noted that NAFDAC had ensured the fortification of locally made sugar with vitamin A.
According to him, the imported ones are mere carbohydrate, which make them not healthy for consumption.
Ekpe also lamented that despite the ban on the importation of sugar in retail packs by the National Sugar Development Council, the brand still flooded the Nigerian markets.
He stated,”Sugar is an essential source of carbohydrate but as a manufacturer, we do advise our customers to take as little as possible considering the health implications of excess sugar in the body.
“That is why we are calling for the full implementation of the Nigerian Sugar Master Plan, especially the ban on importation of sugar in retail packs that lacks vitamin A according to NAFDAC specification. They also pose health risk.
“Aside the health risk, it is discouraging local industries and contributing to youth unemployment in the country.”
Ekpe also advised consumers to take more brown sugar, saying it has more health benefits.
He added, “People prefer taking white sugar because it is tasty than the brown, even though the latter is more beneficial to the body.
“The white sugar is heavier because of bleaching and processing but the brown is just the crushed and dried sugar cane. The latter also has its natural values intact. However, moderate intake of sugar of any kind is the best advice.”
The Chairman, McNichols Consolidated Plc., Mr. Segun Layode, in his remarks, urged NAFDAC and other relevant agencies to intensify their efforts towards protecting local manufacturers.
Layode identified importation and unstable power supply as major challenges facing the company.
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