Following the incident in which a tanker carrying 33,000 litres of groundnut oil overturned, the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has urged the public not to collect, buy or consume the spilled oil, warning that it could pose serious risks to human health and safety.
LASCOPA General Manager and CEO Afolabi Solebo, Esq., expressed concern over reports of people gathering the oil. He said food products involved in road accidents may be exposed to contaminants, making them unsafe for 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,” he said.
He said consuming contaminated edible oil may cause foodborne illnesses and other adverse health effects, depending on the nature and extent of the contamination.
Furthermore, cooking or heating contaminated oil may not eliminate certain chemical hazards, potentially exposing consumers to further health risks.
Solebo therefore urged members of the public to prioritise their health and refrain from collecting, purchasing, or consuming edible oil recovered from accident scenes. He also cautioned traders and distributors against reselling such products without proper safety assessment and clearance from the relevant authorities.
Solebo reiterated that access to safe products is a fundamental consumer right, and called on consumers to remain vigilant, make informed decisions, and promptly report any suspected circulation of unsafe food products to the appropriate authorities.
However, the General Manager, CEO, said the Agency remains fully committed to protecting consumers from unsafe products and practices that threaten their health and well-being.
He urged the Lagosians to report any consumer grievance to LASCOPA through their Social media handles: Facebook, Instagram and X (Twitter) @lascopa or Email lasgcopa@gmail.com and toll-free helpline: 080 0005 2726
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