The Lagos state government has announced plans to ban sales of plastic bottled drinks exposed to sunlight.
This was disclosed by the General Manager of, Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), Mr Afolabi Solebo.
Solebo said the decision was taken because plastic bottled drinks exposed to continuous sunlight are dangerous to health and very cancerous. He also revealed that there are plans to carry out a public enlightenment campaign.
He said;
“Plastic bottled drinks exposed to continuous sunlight are dangerous to health and very cancerous. Therefore, it will be part of our public enlightenment between now and the end of the year.
“So that by 2023, we will not only confiscate such drinks but we will prosecute people that are displaying those products under sunlight.
“We also want to have a stakeholders’ meeting with manufacturers of those bottled drinks so as to get alternatives for dummy of the products for distributors to display.
“The essence of displaying those products in the sunlight is to attract consumers to come buy. So if you can put dummies in the sun it has no effect since dummies look like the real thing.”
Asides from asking consumers to always ensure they get value for their money on all products and services rendered to them, Solebo also urged them to avoid consumables that kill bit-by-bit.
He added;
“So the consumers do have responsibilities much as they have a right to safety, to be informed, right to clarity and quality of products, the right to choose and the right to be heard.
“Also, they have the right to consumer education and especially the right to seek redress in court or in our office and when we cannot resolve the matter amicably, we resort to litigation.”