Unwholesome Plantain Chips Raise Health Concerns In Lagos

***News in brief:***Lagos consumer agency issues a warning about unhygienic practices in the production of popular plantain chips, following a viral social media post alleging the addition of polythene to frying oil. It urges consumers to exercise caution, investigate reputable vendors, and report any observed unhygienic practices. The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has issued a public warning against the popular plantain chips for unhygienic practices in its production. This warning comes after a viral social media post raised concerns about a seller allegedly adding polythene to frying oil to harden the chips.

Today, I saw a woman frying plantain chips, and before she grated the plantain into the hot oil, she melted about 5 of the white polythene what we call ‘olonka rubber’ into the oil. Out of shock, I asked why she had to melt that into the oil. She told me that it is done to harden… pic.twitter.com/Z91OqtyP5q

— Olaudah Equiano® (@RealOlaudah) January 15, 2024

The social media user claimed to have witnessed the seller grate polythene and add it to the hot oil. When questioned, the seller reportedly justified the practice as a way to prevent the chips from breaking. This incident has sparked concerns about the potential health risks associated with consuming such chips. LASCOPA, in a statement released recently, expressed deep concern about the potential health implications of using harmful substances in food preparation. The agency urged consumers to be cautious and vigilant when purchasing plantain chips, emphasising the importance of patronising reputable vendors and avoiding street sellers with questionable practices. The agency also assured the public that it is currently investigating the reported incident and will take appropriate action to protect consumer health. This includes holding individuals responsible for such harmful practices accountable. LASCOPA further encouraged the public to report any observed unhygienic or unlawful practices in the preparation or sale of food items to relevant authorities via email at; lascopa@lagosstate.gov.ng orlasgcopa@gmail.com or through the following phone numbers: 08124993885, 09064323154, and 080925097.