Lagos seals shop over alleged sale of adulterated palm oil

The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency, LASCOPA, has sealed a shop on Lagos Island over the alleged sale of adulterated palm oil, amid growing concerns over the circulation of contaminated products in markets across the state.

The agency raised the alarm while warning residents to be cautious when purchasing palm oil from traders and vendors.

General Manager of LASCOPA, Afolabi Solebo revealed in a statement that complaints from consumers and findings from market surveillance operations revealed that some traders were allegedly selling contaminated and artificially enhanced palm oil to unsuspecting buyers in a bid to increase profits.

According to him, the adulterated product may contain harmful substances capable of posing serious health risks to consumers.

Solebo warned that some of the substances allegedly found in the adulterated palm oil include candle wax, chemicals, dyes and other impurities which the body cannot properly digest.

He noted that consumption of such products could lead to food poisoning, stomach complications, tissue damage, liver problems and other long-term health conditions.

The LASCOPA boss advised consumers to carefully inspect palm oil before buying by checking for unusual colour, offensive smell, excessive thickness, sediments or any suspicious appearance that may suggest contamination.

He also urged residents to patronise only trusted and reputable sellers while insisting on safe and quality products at all times.

While reaffirming the Lagos State Government’s commitment to consumer safety, Solebo disclosed that the agency 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.

“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 said. 

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

The agency also appealed to members of the public to report cases involving suspected adulterated food items, deceptive trade practices and other forms of consumer rights violations through LASCOPA’s official communication channels for investigation and necessary action.

LASCOPA further assured residents that it would continue market monitoring, public sensitisation and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure safe and quality products are sold across Lagos State.