The Lagos State Government has urged residents to exercise caution when purchasing palm oil amid concerns over the circulation of increasingly sophisticated adulterated products in markets across the state.
The warning was issued by the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) following a technical presentation at the 2026 Lagos State Food Safety Conference and Exhibition.
Speaking at the event, Dr Nurah Oseni, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Food Technology at Auchi Polytechnic, identified the use of potentially carcinogenic Sudan and Azo dyes to artificially deepen the colour of palm oil as one of the emerging food safety concerns.
Oseni also raised concerns over the practice of mixing genuine palm oil with recovered or recycled oils, including spent cooking oil, as well as the use of multiple adulterants designed to evade basic quality checks.
According to the food technology expert, palm oil is particularly vulnerable to adulteration because of its high demand, consumers’ perception that deep-red colour indicates quality, price differences and informal trading practices.
She cautioned consumers against relying solely on the appearance of palm oil or simple home tests to determine its safety.
Oseni noted that visual inspection and commonly used methods such as water tests cannot conclusively establish whether palm oil has been adulterated, stressing that scientific laboratory testing remains necessary for reliable detection.
The LASCOPA General Manager, Afolabi Solebo, called on residents to report suspected cases of adulterated palm oil and unscrupulous traders through the agency’s official channels.
Solebo said the agency had intensified surveillance across markets in Lagos, adding that suspected offenders could be arrested and prosecuted under relevant laws.
The state government consequently advised consumers to buy palm oil from trusted sources and remain vigilant when purchasing the product.
Residents were also encouraged to report suspicious products to the appropriate authorities to help curb the circulation of unsafe and adulterated palm oil in Lagos.
Share this content:
About The Author
