By: Manoah Kikekon
Lagosians are being urged to double-check their cooking ingredients as a major health scare hits local markets. The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has officially raised the alarm over the widespread circulation of heavily adulterated and artificially enhanced palm oil across the state.
Following targeted market surveillance and a surge in consumer complaints, authorities are warning that these contaminated products pose an immediate threat to public safety.
The agency’s investigation exposed a worrying trend of unscrupulous traders intentionally spiking palm oil with dangerous additives to maximize their profit margins. According to LASCOPA, these substandard products are laced with highly toxic materials entirely unfit for human consumption.
"Investigation revealed the presence of contaminated and artificially enhanced palm oil being sold to unsuspecting consumers by unscrupulous traders, especially those seeking to maximise profits at the expense of public health and consumer safety," stated Afolabi Solebo, General Manager of LASCOPA.
Public health experts warn that the chemical additives used to alter the oil's appearance are deeply hazardous. LASCOPA revealed that the adulterated samples contain a mix of candle wax, industrial dyes, toxic chemicals, and heavy impurities.
"Consumption of such products could lead to serious health complications, including food poisoning, stomach disorders, tissue and liver damage, as well as other long-term health risks," Solebo warned.
In a swift enforcement action, LASCOPA officials have already begun shutting down complicit businesses. The agency recently sealed a prominent shop caught distributing the toxic oil along Idutafa Lane, off Oluwa Street, near the Amodu Tijani Oluwa Mosque on Lagos Island. Traders and distributors statewide have been given a stern warning to flush these items out of their inventory or face aggressive legal prosecution under Lagos State consumer protection laws.
To help residents protect themselves, authorities have released specific red flags to watch out for when buying palm oil. Consumers are advised to look for: Unusual or overly bright colors (often a sign of added chemical dyes).
Offensive or unnatural odors.
Excessive thickness or unnatural viscosity.
Heavy sediments settling at the bottom of the container.
LASCOPA is urging the public to only patronize trusted, reputable vendors and to demand high-quality products. Residents who spot suspicious food items or deceptive trading practices are encouraged to report them immediately to the agency's official communication channels for rapid enforcement action.