The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has seized three petrol tankers illegally transporting vegetable oil in Lagos State. The bust, which took place in the Apapa area, has raised serious health concerns about public safety and the integrity of food supplies in Nigeria.
NAFDAC made the announcement on Wednesday via a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), sharing details of the operation and a video that reveals the alarming nature of the seizure. According to a NAFDAC official featured in the video, the agency acted on credible intelligence suggesting that the tankers used to haul vegetable oil had also been previously used for transporting petroleum products.
“This is a serious public health risk,” the official stated, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. “A credible source informed us that the same tanker or truck that was used to load vegetable oil has been or is being used for petroleum products.”
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The official explained that this dangerous practice could lead to cross-contamination, putting millions of Nigerians at risk of consuming tainted vegetable oil. NAFDAC’s swift response to the intelligence led to the interception of the tankers while they were being loaded, preventing the compromised products from reaching the market.
The tankers have been taken into custody for further investigation. According to the official, the agency is determined to get to the bottom of this alarming breach of safety standards, with the investigation focusing on Wharf 302 Products and Beverages, a company believed to be linked to the intercepted tankers.
“You cannot have these two things in the same vehicle,” the NAFDAC official warned, underscoring the importance of maintaining strict hygiene and safety protocols in the transportation of food products.
As the investigation continues, NAFDAC has vowed to hold those responsible accountable and ensure that such dangerous practices are eradicated. The agency’s actions serve as a reminder of the importance of food safety and the need for vigilance in protecting public health.
