FG Raises Alarm Over Adulterated Foods in Markets, Says Palm Oil Now Mixed With Dye

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has issued a warning to Nigerians about the prevalence of adulterated and contaminated foods in markets across the country. Adamu Abdullahi, the FCCPC’s acting Executive Vice Chairman, made the announcement during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday.

Abdullahi highlighted the troubling practices of some traders who adulterate food products without considering the severe health risks posed to consumers. He made these remarks during a one-day sensitisation event targeting traders, farmers, civil society organisations (CSOs), and the public. The event focused on issues such as the forceful ripening of fruits, adulterated palm oil, and contaminated meat and grains.

“This initiative aims to ensure a healthier society in line with President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’,” Abdullahi stated. He emphasized that the FCCPC is empowered by law to remove fake and adulterated products from the market, thereby protecting consumers.

“We will go to the markets to sensitise traders and educate the public and sellers that adulterated, fake products are not allowed in the markets. If they see any, they have somewhere to report,” he said. “We are going to markets in the states, the grassroots, and farms to identify and stop these sharp practices, ensuring the goods in the markets meet required standards.”

Femi Stephen from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare explained that food adulteration involves adding substandard substances to food products, which can lead to significant health issues. He specifically mentioned that palm oil is often mixed with harmful substances like dye, lard (animal fat from pork), and transformer oil (paraffin).

Promise Ogbonna from the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) warned about the dangers of forceful fruit ripening using calcium carbide, a substance containing arsenic and phosphorus, both of which are carcinogenic.

Edozie Ugwu, Vice-President (North-Central) of the National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS), praised the FCCPC for its efforts. He noted that food adulteration has caused many Nigerians to lose vital body organs and assured that market associations would collaborate with the FCCPC and other government agencies to enforce penalties on traders engaged in these harmful practices.