The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has cautioned consumers of fried plantains popularly known as plantain chips to be aware of any unwholesome practices in the commercial processing and frying of the snack.
A statement issued by the agency stated that the advice was necessary given the viral online picture posted by an eye witness showing a plantain chips seller allegedly adding polythene, locally known as rubber, into the hot vegetable oil used for frying the plantain.
LASCOPA expresses deep concern about the health implications this may have on consumers should the incident be credible at all.
In the light of the allegation, the agency has advised all consumers to exercise caution and be vigilant about where they purchase their plantain chips in order not to ignorantly expose themselves to any harmful substances or preventable food poisoning.
According to the release, the agency is presently investigating the issue and will take appropriate actions to protect consumers and hold accountable those responsible for the dangerous practice.
Meanwhile, members of the public are urged to assist in calling the attention of appropriate government agencies, including LASCOPA, to all unfriendly and unlawful practices among sellers of consumable items that can put the health of consumers at risk.
LASCOPA is located at No 2B, Soji Adepegba Close off Allen Avenue Ikeja with Annex offices situated within Badagry Local Government Secretariat, Bariga LCDA, Ikorodu Local Government and Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA.
The Agency can also be contacted via email at [email protected] or [email protected] or through the following phone numbers: 08124993885, 09064323154, and 08092509777.
