Lagos Issues Red Alert Over Cancer-Causing Adulterated Palm Oil

The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has warned residents about the rising circulation of adulterated palm oil in markets across the state, describing it as a serious public health risk.

The alert followed a presentation at the Lagos State Food Safety Conference by Dr. Nurah Oseni of Auchi Polytechnic, who highlighted the dangers of adulteration practices.

She noted that palm oil is often targeted because of its high trading volume, consumer preference for deep-red colour, and weak detection systems.

Emerging risks include the use of carcinogenic Sudan and Azo dyes to enhance colour, blending with recycled or spent cooking oil, and complex mixtures designed to evade basic quality checks.

LASCOPA General Manager, Afolabi Solebo, urged residents to remain vigilant, report suspicious products, and avoid unsafe purchases.

“We are intensifying surveillance in markets across the state. Anyone caught selling adulterated palm oil will be arrested and prosecuted under the law,” he said.

Dr. Oseni advised consumers to use simple visual checks as a first precaution, noting that authentic palm oil may separate into layers with the lower portion appearing orange to yellow-red, rather than uniformly deep red.

However, she cautioned that visual inspection alone cannot guarantee safety.The agency stressed that protecting consumers from unsafe products remains its priority and encouraged residents to report suspected cases through official channels.