Poisons for profit: Traders reveal how fake palm oil, pepper are mixed amid fresh health concerns

Consumers across Nigeria are facing growing concerns over the alleged adulteration of palm oil and ground pepper with industrial dyes and other substances to improve their colour, thickness and appearance.

According to DAILY POST, traders and processors are allegedly mixing palm oil with substances including candle wax, pap, starch and non-food-grade dyes, while dried pepper may be blended with spoiled remnants, cassava flour, sawdust and textile dyes.

Palm oil traders in Lagos and Ogun told the publication that adulterated products can have unusually bright colours, offensive odours and a heavy or sticky texture. One trader, Mama Ochuko, advised consumers to stick to trusted vendors.

“The majority of people don’t know how to identify good palm oil or ground pepper. That is why it is advisable to stick to one trusted vendor instead of buying from different people in the market,” she said.

NAFDAC warned that visual inspection alone cannot confirm adulteration, while a medical expert, Dr Kunle Ashimi, warned that prolonged exposure to industrial dyes could damage vital organs.