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

The agency sounded the alarm while warning residents to be careful when buying palm oil from traders and vendors.

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

He said the adulterated product might have harmful substances that can cause serious health risks to consumers.

Solebo cautioned 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.

Consumption of such products could lead to food poisoning, stomach complications, tissue damage, liver problems and other long-term health conditions, he said.

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

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

Solebo, while reiterating the commitment of the Lagos State Government to consumer safety, disclosed that the agency sealed a shop allegedly involved in the sale of adulterated palm kernel 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 of adulterated palm kernel 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 desist from the practice or face sanctions in line with the laws guiding consumer protection in Lagos State.

The agency also urged 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 assured residents that it would continue to monitor the market, sensitise the public and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure the sale of safe and quality products in Lagos State.

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