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The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency has warned the public against scooping, buying or consuming groundnut oil that spilled from a fallen tanker, citing serious health and safety risks.
The warning followed an incident involving a 33,000-litre tanker that fell while conveying groundnut oil.
The agency’s General Manager and CEO, Afolabi Solebo, expressed concern over individuals seen collecting the spilt oil, noting that food products involved in road accidents may be exposed to contaminants that make them unfit for human consumption.
“Groundnut oil spilt onto a public road can come into contact with dirt, dust, harmful microorganisms, fuel, and other hazardous substances. Even when the oil appears clean, its safety cannot be verified through visual inspection alone,” Solebo said.
Health risks and warnings to traders
Solebo said consuming contaminated edible oil could cause foodborne illnesses and other adverse health effects, depending on the nature and extent of the contamination.
He added that cooking or heating contaminated oil may not eliminate certain chemical hazards, potentially exposing consumers to further risks.
He urged the public to prioritise their health and refrain from collecting, purchasing or consuming edible oil recovered from accident scenes.
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He also cautioned traders and distributors against reselling such products without proper safety assessment and clearance from relevant authorities.
Solebo reiterated that access to safe products is a fundamental consumer right, and called on consumers to remain vigilant and report any suspected circulation of unsafe food products.
He said the agency remained committed to protecting consumers from unsafe products and practices, and urged Lagos residents to report grievances through LASCOPA’s social media handles on Facebook, Instagram and X, by email at [email protected], or through the toll-free helpline 080 0005 2726.
