In response to a viral social media post alleging the use of oil adulterated with polythene in the frying of plantain chips, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has initiated an investigation.
The agency, in a statement released on Saturday by its Resident Media Consultant, Sayo Akintola, emphasized its commitment to public health and assured citizens that a science-based approach would be taken before any action is implemented.
The viral post claimed that a woman melted approximately five pieces of “olonka rubber” (polythene) into oil before grating plantains to make chips. However, NAFDAC noted that the post began circulating before the date the alleged practice was observed, and the geographical location was not specified.
“The agency is taking a science-based approach in her response to the alleged claim and will conduct necessary laboratory investigation into the claim. In the meantime, our advice to the public who consume NAFDAC regulated food products remains the same and centres around being vigilant as consumers,” the statement read.
NAFDAC urged Nigerians purchasing regulated food products to exercise caution and vigilance. Consumers were advised to buy only from reputable sources and check for NAFDAC registration numbers on product labels. The agency also warned against products with suspicious packaging, objectionable smell/color, or unrealistically low prices.
“We reassure the public that NAFDAC is proactive in safeguarding health. Thorough investigation of the disturbing claim will be done,” the statement assured.
In a related development, the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency also issued a caution to consumers of fried plantains, popularly known as “plantain chips,” urging them to be wary of potential unwholesome practices in the processing of these chips for sale. This advisory aligns with the concerns raised in the same viral social media report, where a woman was purportedly observed melting polythene into the hot oil used for frying plantains to harden the chips.
