The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has raised concerns over the increasing circulation of adulterated palm oil in markets across Lagos State, warning residents to exercise caution when purchasing the product.
The warning was contained in a statement posted on the Agency’s official X handle.
According to the statement, LASCOPA said recent complaints from consumers and findings from its market surveillance operations revealed that contaminated and artificially enhanced palm oil is being sold by some traders to unsuspecting buyers across the state.
The General Manager of LASCOPA, Afolabi Solebo, said some unscrupulous traders were deliberately adulterating palm oil in a bid to maximise profits at the expense of public health and consumer safety.
Solebo explained that adulterated palm oil may contain harmful substances such as candle wax, chemicals, dyes, and other impurities that are unsafe for human consumption. He warned that these substances could expose consumers to serious health complications.
The LASCOPA boss noted that consumption of contaminated palm oil may lead to food poisoning, stomach disorders, tissue damage, liver complications, and other long-term health risks capable of endangering the wellbeing of residents.
He advised consumers to carefully examine palm oil before making purchases by checking for unusual colour, offensive odour, excessive thickness, sediments or any suspicious appearance that could indicate contamination or adulteration.
Solebo also urged residents to patronise only trusted and reputable vendors while insisting on quality and safe food products at all times. He reiterated the importance of consumer vigilance in curbing the spread of unsafe products in the marketplace.
As part of its enforcement efforts, LASCOPA disclosed that it had sealed a shop allegedly involved in the sale of adulterated palm oil along Idutafa Lane, off Oluwa Street near Amodu Tijani Oluwa Mosque, Lagos Island, within the Lagos Island Local Government Area of the state.
The Agency further warned traders and distributors involved in the production and sale of adulterated palm oil to desist immediately or face sanctions in line with the laws guiding consumer protection in Lagos State.
