The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency, LASCOPA, has alerted residents to the growing circulation of adulterated palm oil in markets across the state, warning that the consumption of contaminated products could pose serious health dangers.
The agency said some traders are allegedly selling artificially enhanced palm oil to unsuspecting buyers in a bid to maximise profits, despite the potential risks to public health.
As part of efforts to curb the trend, authorities sealed a shop on Lagos Island linked to the sale of adulterated palm oil.
The development was announced in a statement shared on Thursday through the official X account of the Lagos State Government.
According to the General Manager of LASCOPA, Afolabi Solebo, recent complaints from consumers alongside market surveillance operations uncovered the distribution of contaminated palm oil in several parts of the state.
He explained that some dishonest traders were allegedly introducing harmful substances into palm oil to improve its appearance and increase sales.
Solebo warned that the adulterated products may contain dangerous materials such as candle wax, chemical additives, dyes, and other impurities that are unsafe for human consumption.
“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,” he stated.
The agency urged consumers to remain vigilant when purchasing palm oil and advised residents to carefully inspect products before buying.
According to Solebo, buyers should watch out for unusual colour, offensive smell, excessive thickness, visible sediments, or any suspicious appearance that may suggest contamination.
He further encouraged residents to purchase food items only from trusted and reputable sellers.
“Consumers are also encouraged to patronise only trusted and reputable vendors while demanding quality and safe products at all times,” he added.
Reaffirming the state government’s commitment to consumer safety, Solebo disclosed that enforcement officials had sealed a shop located along Idutafa Lane, off Oluwa Street near Amodu Tijani Oluwa Mosque on Lagos Island for allegedly selling adulterated palm oil.
He warned traders and distributors involved in the production or sale of adulterated food products to stop immediately or risk facing legal sanctions under the consumer protection laws of Lagos State.
The agency also appealed to members of the public to report suspicious food products, deceptive trading activities, or any violation of consumer rights through LASCOPA’s official communication channels for prompt investigation and enforcement action.
LASCOPA stressed that it would continue market monitoring, public sensitisation campaigns, and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure Lagos residents have access to safe, wholesome, and quality products.