The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has taken action to seal Vianna Bakery, located in Awka, Anambra State, due to its ongoing non-compliance with established food safety and quality standards.
The enforcement action was led by Francisca Obialor, the FCCPC’s Zonal Coordinator for the South East, which encompasses Anambra, Enugu, Imo, Abia, and Ebonyi States.
She stated that the closure resulted from repeated and unanswered attempts by the Commission to engage the bakery’s management regarding serious regulatory concerns dating back to 2022.
“Vianna Bakery has consistently ignored official communications, including invitations, reminders, and formal summonses from the FCCPC.
“This action has become necessary after years of non-compliance. We cannot allow a business to operate in a manner that may endanger consumers,” Obialor told reporters.
She emphasized that consumer protection is the Commission’s top priority, pointing out that Vianna Bakery’s operations posed potential risks to public health. According to her, the bakery’s failure to engage with regulators or acknowledge official correspondence left the FCCPC with no alternative but to shut down the facility as a last resort.
“The responsibility for this closure rests entirely with the management of Vianna Bakery, who have repeatedly failed to cooperate.
“We are sending a clear message that businesses must adhere to established standards or face the consequences,” she said.
To facilitate the bakery’s potential reopening, Obialor explained that the facility must report to the FCCPC’s head office in Abuja to receive and implement regulatory directives. Only upon full compliance will the bakery be permitted to resume operations.
All efforts by Voice of Nigeria to contact Vianna Bakery’s Managing Director for comments were unsuccessful, as calls remained unanswered.