The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has launched an investigation into a viral bread controversy that led to the arrest and lawsuit of a Nigerian consumer, raising fresh concerns about product quality and consumer rights.
The Commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, disclosed this during an appearance on The Morning Brief on Channels Television on Tuesday.
Ijagwu said the agency acted swiftly upon learning of the incident, noting that the case raised “red flags” that warranted immediate attention from its surveillance, investigation, and legal teams.
According to him, the FCCPC also collaborated with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to subject the bread sample cited by the consumer to further examination.
“We made it possible for NAFDAC to accept the sample that that specific customer cited for additional examination,” he said.
He further revealed that the Commission intervened to secure the release of the consumer, identified as Love Doshima, after reports that she had been detained following a lawsuit filed against her by the baker.
“We also made sure that the consumer was released when we learned that the person… was being harassed and taken to the police,” Ijagwu added.
Doshima had posted a video online claiming that a loaf of bread she purchased remained fresh for over two months, sparking widespread debate over food safety standards and the use of preservatives.
The baker reportedly responded by suing her for ₦50 million, an action that drew public backlash and intensified scrutiny of the matter.
Ijagwu emphasized that consumers have the legal right to express concerns and seek redress when dissatisfied with products.
“The law guarantees consumers the right to be heard as well as the provision of information… within our legal system, those concerns fall under the right to knowledge, to be heard, and to redress,” he said.
He assured that the FCCPC would continue to monitor the situation closely until it is resolved, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to protecting consumer rights and ensuring product safety.