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.
Read the full article here
