# Food adulteration crisis in Nigeria > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/food-adulteration-crisis-in-nigeria > Updated: 2026-10-05T04:30:00.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. Reports have emerged regarding the adulteration of essential food staples in Nigeria, specifically unrefined palm oil and ground red pepper. To mask low quality or supply shortages, traders and processors are allegedly mixing palm oil with industrial dyes like Sudan III and Sudan IV, candle wax, starch, and pap. Similarly, dry pepper is being adulterated with fillers such as cassava flour, stems, and spoiled remnants, often laced with textile dyes to simulate freshness. Market vendors have noted that adulterated palm oil often exhibits an unnaturally bright color, a sticky texture, and an unpleasant odor. The situation has escalated to what Joe Onyiuke, President of the Oil Palm Growers Association of Nigeria, described as a ‘national disaster’ and ‘national emergency.’ Concerns regarding unusual thickness and sediments have also been reported in Anambra State. In response, the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has launched a toll-free helpline to allow residents to report violations. LASCOPA General Manager Afolabi Solebo has urged consumers to provide verifiable evidence, such as receipts and photographs, to assist in investigations into counterfeit products and unfair business practices. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-05: Nigeria faces palm oil adulteration crisis as LASCOPA launches consumer reporting line Nigerian authorities warn of a ‘national emergency’ regarding adulterated palm oil using toxic dyes, while the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency launches a toll-free line to report fake and unsafe goods. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-faces-palm-oil-adulteration-crisis-as-lascopa-launches-consumer-reporting-line ### 2026-09-26: Food adulteration in Nigeria involves dyes and wax in palm oil and pepper Traders in Nigeria are reportedly adulterating palm oil and ground pepper with industrial dyes, wax, and starches to mask low quality, posing significant health risks to consumers. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/food-adulteration-in-nigeria-involves-dyes-and-wax-in-palm-oil-and-pepper --- Cite as: Food adulteration crisis in Nigeria. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/food-adulteration-crisis-in-nigeria