The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has seized two tankers designated for transporting edible oil after they were allegedly found conveying diesel in Lagos State.
Speaking to journalists, NAFDAC’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Mr. Martins Iluyomade, said investigations revealed that the two vehicles, which were designated exclusively for transporting edible vegetable oil, had been loaded with diesel in clear violation of food safety regulations.
According to Iluyomade, the tanker manager claimed he was unaware of the colour-coding system for edible oil tankers it was also said the discovery was made during a surveillance operation aimed at safeguarding the food supply chain and protecting public health from contamination.
The two tankers and their drivers have been taken into custody, while investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the violation and ensure appropriate regulatory action,” Iluyomade said.
NAFDAC warned that using tankers meant for edible products to transport petroleum products poses serious health risks, as residual chemicals can contaminate food-grade items and endanger consumers.
“Vegetable oil has nothing to do with petrol or petroleum products, and that is why we are very particular about it,” he said.
Iluyomade added that, “Any tanker designated for edible vegetable oil must be dedicated exclusively to that purpose in line with international best practices for food safety.”
The agency said the affected tankers have been impounded while investigations continue to determine those responsible for the violation. It reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing food safety regulations and warned operators against practices capable of compromising public health.
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