Lagos Seals Shop Over Adulterated Palm Oil, Warns Residents of Health Risks
Korede Abdullah 
LAGOS, Nigeria – The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has sealed a shop on Lagos Island over the alleged sale of adulterated palm oil and warned residents against purchasing contaminated food products from unverified vendors.
The agency disclosed the development in a statement posted Thursday on the Lagos State Government’s official X handle, citing growing concerns over the circulation of unsafe palm oil in local markets.
General Manager of LASCOPA, Afolabi Solebo, said market surveillance and consumer complaints revealed that some traders were allegedly selling artificially enhanced and contaminated palm oil to unsuspecting buyers.
According to him, the adulterated products may contain harmful substances including candle wax, chemicals, synthetic dyes, and impurities that pose significant health risks.
“These substances cannot be properly digested by the body and may lead to food poisoning, stomach disorders, tissue damage, liver complications, and other long-term health challenges,” Solebo warned.
He advised residents to look out for signs such as unusual colour, offensive odour, excessive thickness, sediments, or suspicious texture before purchasing palm oil.
LASCOPA also confirmed the sealing of a shop located along Idutafa Lane off Oluwa Street near Amodu Tijani Oluwa Mosque on Lagos Island for allegedly selling contaminated products.
The agency warned traders engaging in food adulteration to desist immediately or face prosecution under Lagos consumer protection laws.
Residents were further encouraged to report suspected cases of adulterated food items and deceptive trade practices through the agency’s official complaint channels.
LASCOPA reaffirmed its commitment to sustained market monitoring and consumer sensitisation campaigns across the state.
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Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 