The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has cautioned residents against collecting, buying or consuming groundnut oil spilled from a 33,000-litre tanker that fell on the road, warning that the product may have been contaminated and could pose serious health risks.
The warning was issued by the agency’s General Manager/Chief Executive Officer, Afolabi Solebo, Esq., following reports of members of the public scooping the spilled edible oil from the accident scene.
Solebo said edible products involved in road accidents should not be considered safe for consumption simply because they appear clean, stressing that spilled groundnut oil could come in contact with dirt, dust, microorganisms, fuel and other hazardous substances.
According to him, such contamination may not be detectable through ordinary visual inspection and could expose consumers to foodborne illnesses and other health complications.
He further warned that heating or cooking the contaminated oil may not necessarily remove all chemical hazards, making its consumption potentially dangerous.
The LASCOPA boss therefore urged residents to desist from collecting or purchasing the oil recovered from the accident scene, while advising traders and distributors not to resell the product without proper safety assessment and clearance from relevant authorities.
He emphasised that consumers have a fundamental right to safe products and encouraged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspected circulation of unsafe food items to the appropriate authorities.
Solebo reaffirmed LASCOPA’s commitment to protecting Lagos residents from unsafe products and practices capable of endangering public health and consumer welfare.
