The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has seized three petrol tankers used to transport edible vegetable oil in Lagos State. In a statement on Wednesday via X, the agency reported that the tankers had been loaded with crude soy oil from an edible oil depot, raising concerns about potential chemical contamination from their previous use for petroleum products.
NAFDAC officials, acting on credible information, escorted the tankers to a processing facility in Sango-Ota, Ogun State, for further inspection. The crude soy oil was handed over to NAFDAC’s Southwest Zonal Office for regulatory action.
A video released by NAFDAC showed a seized tanker, with an official confirming that the same vehicles previously used for transporting petroleum products were being used for edible oil. “This is a public health issue that requires NAFDAC’s immediate attention,” the official stated, noting that mixing petroleum and edible oil poses severe health risks, including exposure to carcinogens.
NAFDAC has launched an investigation into the incident and detained the suspects involved. Meanwhile, NAFDAC’s Director-General, Moji Adeyeye, has initiated the development of new guidelines and a code of ethics for the marketing and distribution of edible vegetable oils in Nigeria. The agency urged the public to report any suspicious practices concerning food safety and regulated products.
