The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency, LASCOPA, has warned consumers about expired and near-expired products allegedly being sold with altered production and expiry dates in markets and retail outlets across the state.

The agency raised the alarm over the alleged manipulation of product dates, saying devices and chemicals used to erase and reprint production and expiry dates are reportedly being circulated online.

LASCOPA said the development could make it easier for unsafe products to be returned to the market and sold to unsuspecting consumers.

The General Manager/CEO of LASCOPA, Afolabi Solebo, said the practice posed a serious risk to consumers and violated the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency Law, 2025, as amended.

“Consumer safety is non-negotiable. Expired products are being reintroduced into the market with falsified dates, in violation of the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency Law, 2025 (as amended), and this poses significant public health risks,” he stated.

Solebo disclosed that LASCOPA enforcement teams had carried out inspections across all Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Lagos State.

He said the inspections led to the identification of products with suspicious date coding, damaged packaging and other questionable features.

According to him, the agency would take appropriate action against those found responsible for the violations.

He warned that offenders could face sanctions, including the seizure of products, closure of business premises and prosecution in accordance with the law.

LASCOPA also advised consumers to pay close attention to product labels before making purchases.

The agency urged residents to check for smudged or altered dates, damaged or compromised packaging and other inconsistencies that could suggest that a product had been tampered with.

Consumers were also advised to buy products only from trusted vendors and keep their purchase receipts.

Solebo further called on manufacturers to adopt clear and standardised labelling methods for batch numbers and expiry information to make it easier for consumers to verify their products.

The LASCOPA boss said the agency remained committed to sustained monitoring and enforcement across the state to protect consumers.

He encouraged residents to report suspicious products or suspected violations through the agency’s designated channels.

Solebo urged Lagos residents to remain vigilant, verify products carefully before purchasing them and promptly report any suspected violations.

“Consumer safety remains a shared responsibility,” he added.