Lagos: The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has issued a warning to operators of pepper and grinding machines against the use of rusty or poorly fabricated equipment. The agency highlighted the potential exposure of consumers to metal contamination and other food safety risks.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mr. Afolabi Solebo, the General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of LASCOPA, made this announcement in a statement, emphasizing concerns raised during the 2026 Lagos State Food Safety Conference and Exhibition. The conference, themed ‘From Burden to Solutions – Safe Food Everywhere’, underscored the need for operators across Lagos to transition from traditional cast-iron and unsuitable locally fabricated machines to stainless-steel and food-grade equipment.
The widespread use of grinding machines by households, food vendors, and restaurants has made adherence to food safety standards crucial. Solebo pointed out that worn, rusty, or corroded grinding equipment could significantly increase the risk of metal contamination during food processing. Additionally, accumulated food residues, dirt, and grease from previous grinding activities could compromise food safety and quality.
Emphasizing the importance of food safety, Solebo stated that the use of unsafe or poorly maintained grinding machines poses avoidable health risks to consumers. He stressed the necessity of using hygienic and food-grade equipment to protect public health. LASCOPA’s Monitoring and Enforcement Officers are set to intensify compliance checks at food-processing and grinding points across the state, with regulatory actions planned against establishments using unsafe or unsuitable equipment.
Operators are advised to thoroughly clean grinding machines after every use and remove accumulated food residues. Maintaining hygienic surroundings and regularly inspecting grinding components are also essential steps recommended by LASCOPA to prevent food contamination and cross-contamination.
Consumers are urged to remain vigilant when using grinding services, particularly where equipment appears deteriorated or unhygienic. Solebo also appealed to politicians and public-spirited individuals involved in empowerment programs to prioritize the provision of stainless-steel and food-grade equipment. He described consumer protection as a collective responsibility involving regulators, operators, and consumers.
Solebo assured Lagos residents that LASCOPA will continue its consumer enlightenment, market surveillance, and enforcement activities throughout the state. He encouraged residents to report any unsafe or unhygienic food-processing practices to the agency for investigation and appropriate action. “Consumers should not remain silent when practices capable of compromising their safety are observed,” he concluded.