Adulterated Palm Oil Flooding Lagos Markets, Agency Alerts Residents

Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency has alerted residents to the circulation of adulterated palm oil in markets across Lagos State, warning that the contaminated products pose serious health risks to unsuspecting consumers.

The agency disclosed that some unscrupulous traders have been artificially enhancing palm oil with harmful substances in an attempt to maximise profits at the expense of public safety.

General Manager of LASCOPA, Afolabi Solebo, made the disclosure in a statement issued on Thursday following complaints received from consumers and findings from the agency’s market surveillance operations.

According to Solebo, investigations revealed that several traders were selling adulterated palm oil products to unsuspecting residents in different parts of the state.

He stated that the agency had already sealed one shop located along Idutafa Lane off Oluwa Street near Amodu Tijani Oluwa Mosque on Lagos Island over the alleged sale of adulterated palm oil.

The LASCOPA boss warned that some of the contaminated products may contain dangerous substances such as candle wax, industrial dyes, chemicals and other impurities that are unsafe for human consumption.

According to him, these harmful additives cannot be properly digested by the body and may expose consumers to serious medical complications.

Solebo explained that prolonged consumption of adulterated palm oil could lead to food poisoning, stomach disorders, liver damage, tissue complications and other long-term health conditions.

He urged consumers to be vigilant whenever purchasing palm oil and advised residents to pay close attention to unusual colour, offensive odour, excessive thickness, sediments or suspicious appearances that may indicate contamination.

“Consumers are also encouraged to patronise only trusted and reputable vendors while demanding quality and safe products at all times,” Solebo stated.

The agency also warned traders and distributors involved in the adulteration or sale of contaminated palm oil products to desist immediately or risk prosecution and sanctions under Lagos consumer protection laws.

LASCOPA further encouraged residents to promptly report suspicious food products, deceptive trade practices and consumer rights violations through the agency’s official communication channels to enable swift investigation and enforcement action.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to sustained market monitoring, consumer sensitisation campaigns and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure that Lagos residents have access to safe, wholesome and quality products across the state.

Solebo stressed that protecting consumers from unsafe products remains a top priority for the Lagos State Government, especially amid growing concerns about food safety and public health.