By Desire Emmanuel
The Lagos State government, through the state consumer protection agency (LASCOPA), on Thursday raised the alarm over adulterated palm oil that has flooded various markets in the state.
The agency warned residents in the state to be vigilant while buying palm oil in the markets as it said some traders use candle wax, chemicals, dyes and others to adulterate the commodity.
It disclosed that complaints and market surveillance activities carried out by its officials revealed the presence of contaminated and artificially enhanced palm oil being sold to unsuspecting consumers by some unscrupulous traders seeking to maximise profits at the expense of public health and consumer safety.
“The adulterated palm oil we found contained harmful substances such as candle wax, chemicals, dyes and impurities which cannot be digested by the body and are capable of causing health complications, including food poisoning, stomach disorders, tissue and liver damage, and other long-term health risks,” the agency said.
It further advised consumers to carefully examine palm oil before purchase by checking for unusual colour, offensive odour, excessive thickness, sediments, or any suspicious appearance that may indicate contamination or adulteration.
It stated that consumers are also encouraged to patronise only trusted and reputable vendors while demanding quality and safe products at all times.
To demonstrate how serious it is determined to rid the state of this unwholesome practice, the agency on Thursday sealed off a shop said to be selling adulterated palm oil along Idutafa Lane off Oluwa Street near Amodu Tijani Oluwa Mosque, Lagos Island in Lagos Island Local Government Area of the state.
LASCOPA warned traders and distributors engaging in the sale of adulterated palm oil to desist immediately or face appropriate sanctions while also urging residents to promptly report cases of adulterated food products, deceptive trade practices, or consumer rights violations through its official communication channels for necessary investigation and enforcement action.
