LASCOPA raises alarm over adulterated, harmful palm oil in Lagos markets

Cityscope, Crime Diary

LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — 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 remain cautious while purchasing the product.

The General Manager of LASCOPA, Afolabi Solebo, disclosed that complaints from consumers and ongoing market surveillance operations revealed the presence of contaminated and artificially enhanced palm oil being sold by some traders to unsuspecting buyers.

According to him, some unscrupulous dealers are adulterating palm oil with harmful substances in an attempt to maximise profits at the expense of public health and consumer safety.

Solebo warned that adulterated palm oil may contain dangerous substances, including candle wax, chemicals, dyes and other impurities that are unsafe for human consumption.

He stated that the contaminated products could cause serious health complications such as food poisoning, stomach disorders, tissue damage, liver complications and other long-term health risks.

The LASCOPA boss urged consumers to carefully examine palm oil before purchase by checking for unusual colour, offensive odour, excessive thickness, sediments or suspicious appearances that may indicate contamination.

He also advised residents to buy food products only from trusted and reputable vendors while insisting on quality and safe products.

As part of enforcement efforts, Solebo disclosed that the agency recently sealed a shop allegedly involved in the sale of adulterated palm oil along Idutafa Lane, off Oluwa Street near Amodu Tijani Oluwa Mosque in Lagos Island Local Government Area.

According to the agency, the action forms part of broader efforts by the Lagos State Government to protect consumers from unsafe and substandard products in the marketplace.

Solebo warned traders and distributors involved in the sale of adulterated palm oil to immediately desist from the practice or risk facing legal sanctions under Lagos State consumer protection laws.

The agency further urged members of the public to promptly report suspected cases of adulterated food products, deceptive trade practices and other consumer rights violations through LASCOPA’s official communication channels for 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 Lagos State.