The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has raised concerns over the increasing circulation of adulterated palm oil in markets across the state, warning residents to exercise caution when purchasing the product.
The General Manager of LASCOPA, Afolabi Solebo, disclosed that complaints from consumers and findings from the agency’s market surveillance activities revealed the presence of contaminated and artificially enhanced palm oil being sold by some traders to unsuspecting buyers.
According to Solebo, some unscrupulous traders are adulterating palm oil to maximize profits at the expense of public health and consumer safety.
He noted that such products may contain harmful substances including candle wax, chemicals, dyes, and other impurities that cannot be properly digested by the body.
He warned that consumption of adulterated palm oil could result in serious health complications such as food poisoning, stomach disorders, tissue and liver damage, as well as other long-term health risks.
The LASCOPA boss advised consumers to carefully inspect palm oil before purchase, urging them to look out for unusual colours, offensive odours, excessive thickness, sediments, or any suspicious appearance that could indicate contamination. He also encouraged residents to buy only from trusted and reputable vendors and to insist on quality and safe products.
Reaffirming the Lagos State Government’s commitment to protecting consumers from unsafe and substandard products, Solebo disclosed that the agency recently sealed a shop found selling adulterated palm oil along Idutafa Lane, off Oluwa Street, near Amodu Tijani Oluwa Mosque in the Lagos Island Local Government Area.
He warned traders and distributors involved in the sale of adulterated palm oil to desist immediately or face sanctions in line with the laws governing consumer protection in the state.
Solebo further urged members of the public to report suspected cases of adulterated food products, deceptive trade practices, and other consumer rights violations through LASCOPA’s official communication channels for prompt investigation and enforcement action.
He added that the agency remains committed to continuous market monitoring, consumer awareness campaigns, and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure that Lagos residents have access to safe, wholesome, and quality products across the state.
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