The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency has raised an alarm over the circulation of adulterated palm oil in some markets across the state, warning consumers to be cautious and ensure they purchase from verified sources.
The
agency also sealed a shop on Lagos Island as part of enforcement actions aimed
at protecting consumers from unsafe and substandard products.
This
was disclosed in a statement posted on Thursday via the Lagos State
Government’s official X handle.
The
General Manager of LASCOPA, Afolabi Solebo, disclosed that complaints and
market surveillance activities had revealed the presence of contaminated and
artificially enhanced palm oil being sold to unsuspecting consumers by some
unscrupulous traders seeking to maximise profits at the expense of public
health and consumer safety.
Solebo
“warned that adulterated palm oil may contain harmful substances such as candle
wax, chemicals, dyes, and impurities which cannot be digested by the body and
are capable of causing serious health complications, including food poisoning,
stomach disorders, tissue and liver damage, and other long-term health risks.”
The
General Manager advised “consumers to carefully examine palm oil before
purchase by checking for unusual colour, offensive odour, excessive thickness,
sediments, or any suspicious appearance that may indicate contamination or
adulteration.
“Consumers
are also encouraged to patronise only trusted and reputable vendors while
demanding quality and safe products at all times,” he added.
Reiterating
the state government’s commitment to protecting residents from unsafe and
substandard products in the marketplace, Solebo said, “the Agency had sealed a
shop sale selling adulterated palm oil along Idutafa Lane off Oluwa Street near
Amodu Tijani Oluwa Mosque, Lagos Island in Lagos Island Local Government Area,
Lagos State.”
He
warned traders and distributors engaging in the sale of adulterated palm oil to
desist immediately or face appropriate sanctions in accordance with the
provisions of the law guiding consumer protection in Lagos State.
The
agency further urged members of the public to promptly report cases of
suspected adulterated food products, deceptive trade practices, or consumer
rights violations to LASCOPA through its official communication channels for
necessary investigation and enforcement action.
LASCOPA
reaffirmed its commitment to continuous market monitoring, consumer
sensitisation, and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure residents
have access to safe, wholesome, and quality products across the state.
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