Lagos authorities and residents raise food safety concerns

Residents and regulatory authorities in Lagos are raising alarms regarding food safety and hygiene standards in local food processing. Consumers have expressed growing distrust in the preparation and preservation of fufu, a fermented cassava staple. Concerns include the use of improper cleaning agents like detergent, the presence of foreign objects in the food, and poor processing methods that result in unpleasant odors and textures.

In response to broader contamination risks, the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has issued a warning against the use of rusty or corroded cast-iron grinding machines used for pepper and other mills. LASCOPA General Manager Afolabi Solebo urged operators to switch to stainless-steel and food-grade equipment to prevent metal contamination and the buildup of grease and food residue. The agency announced it will intensify compliance checks at food-processing points across the state to enforce safety standards.