Anambra Ministry of Environment Begins Seizure of Expired Goods, Investigates Disposal Practices
By Blessing Dennis
Anambra State Ministry of Environment has begun widespread check and seizures of expired goods and items in the capital city, Awka.
The action was in reaction to growing concerns over the potential health risks and environmental impacts associated with such goods and improper disposal practices.
Inspectors from the Ministry visited numerous retail establishments, including supermarkets, pharmacies, and local markets, to inspect, verify, and seize expired products, where they made alarming discoveries of expired food products, medications, and cosmetics.
These findings raise serious concerns regarding adherence to environmental regulations and the impact of these practices on public health and safety.
The Director of Environmental Health and Pollution Control Department in the ministry, Mrs. Lucy Nwankwo, who expressed dismay at the prevalence of expired products in the State, noted that the presence of expired goods in markets is not just a violation of consumers’ trust, but also potential hazard to public health and the environment.
She pointed out that the seized goods, including expired food items, medicines, and cosmetics, were documented and removed to prevent them from being sold or discarded improperly.
Mrs. Nwankwo stressed the need for increased public awareness campaigns to spread vital information about responsible disposal methods and the consequences of non-compliance, calling on all consumers to always check the expiration dates on product containers before making purchases.
For Mrs. Tessy Nwafor, an environmental health officer, the Ministry is set to enhance the regulatory framework for managing the shelf life of products and enforcing compliance through stricter penalties for violations.
She urged the public to always report cases of any individual selling expired products to the nearest local government authority in the area.
She warned that businesses found violating environmental guidelines would be strictly dealt with including heavy fines and closure orders, as the Ministry of Environment has intensified its crackdown on non-compliance.
According to her, the Ministry is committed to keeping the public informed about its findings and actions, reaffirming their dedication to safeguard the environment and the well-being of the citizens.
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