Lagos Govt Raises Alarm Over Adulterated Palm Oil in Markets, Seals Shops

• The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency has warned residents against the growing circulation of adulterated palm oil in markets across Lago.

The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has raised concerns over the circulation of adulterated palm oil in some markets across Lagos State.

The agency warned consumers to remain vigilant and purchase palm oil only from verified and trusted vendors.

LASCOPA also announced the sealing of a shop on Lagos Island as part of enforcement efforts aimed at protecting residents from unsafe and substandard food products.

The development was disclosed in a statement shared via the Lagos State Government’s official X account on Thursday.

According to the General Manager of LASCOPA, Afolabi Solebo, complaints from residents and ongoing market surveillance revealed the sale of contaminated and artificially enhanced palm oil by some traders seeking to maximise profits at the expense of public safety.

Solebo warned that adulterated palm oil may contain dangerous substances capable of causing serious health complications.

He stated that some contaminated products contain candle wax, chemicals, dyes, and other impurities that cannot be properly digested by the body.

According to him, consumption of such products could lead to food poisoning, stomach disorders, tissue damage, liver complications, and other long-term health risks.

The agency advised consumers to carefully inspect palm oil before purchase by checking for unusual colour, offensive odour, excessive thickness, sediments, or any suspicious appearance that may indicate contamination.

Consumers were also urged to patronise only reputable vendors and insist on safe, high-quality products at all times.

Reaffirming the state government’s commitment to consumer safety, Solebo disclosed that LASCOPA had sealed a shop allegedly involved in the sale of adulterated palm oil.

The shop is located along Idutafa Lane, off Oluwa Street near Amodu Tijani Oluwa Mosque, Lagos Island.

He further warned traders and distributors involved in the sale of adulterated palm oil to stop immediately or face sanctions in line with Lagos consumer protection laws.

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The agency also encouraged members of the public to report suspected cases of adulterated food products, deceptive trade practices, or violations of consumer rights through its official communication channels.

LASCOPA reiterated its commitment to continuous market monitoring, consumer awareness campaigns, and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure Lagos residents have access to safe and quality products.