Imo Lawmakers Moves To Stop Circulation And Consumption Of Expired Products ln Imo State.

Emmanuel lkpeama 

Worried by the health implications caused by the intake of expired products, the Imo State House Of Assembly has urged the Imo State Government and other relevant agencies to sensitize consumers on the need to be conscious of checking product expiry dates before purchase and consumption for enhanced and improved health of Imo residents.

This was the outcome of the Motion on Tuesday 25th February 2025, during Plenary, which was Chiefly sponsored by the Member Representing Mbaitoli State Constituency, Hon Engr Innocent Ikechukwu Ikpamezie.

Moving the Motion, Hon Innocent Ikpamezie explained that many people are sick and unaware of the reason for their sickness, noting that they may have consumed expired products without knowing.

Hon Ikpamezie further explained that many expired products, such as packaged foods, drinks, drugs etc are in circulation and being displayed in shops, markets and supermarkets.

He also noted that manufacturing companies print expiration dates on products packaging to give consumers indication when it is to be used.

Unfortunately, according to the Mbaitoli lawmaker, 80% of consumers of packaged food products in Imo State do not check expiry dates information before purchase from the markets and supermarkets.

This, according to him, has led to devastating health challenges to many residents in the state, after consuming such products.

Hon Ikpamezie, who is also the House Committee Chairman On Environment, stated that the outcome of consuming expired products has led to food poisoning, with wide spread of liver and kidney malfunctions in people, and symptoms like fever, stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, including bacteria infections, noting that they are life threatening.

The pragmatic lawmaker stated that in international shops, there are proper checks on products and their expiry dates, unlike what is obtainable in our locality.

In their respective submissions, the lawmakers appreciated the Chief sponsor for the Motion for bringing the consciousness of the people of the State on issues of expired products, and described expired products, such as packaged foods, drinks and drugs, as not only risky but worse than insurgency, as they are capable of killing an entire generation, if adequate cautions are not taken.

According to the supporting lawmakers, those who sell expired products, including fake products, should be punished with stiffer penalties.

Furthermore,they called on relevant agencies, including regulatory bodies, to interface with the House Committee on Commerce and Industry, towards finding lasting solutions.

They however argued that the complacency of the drivers of some of the agencies tend to worse the already bad situation.