Lagos consumer agency warns residents against ‘poisonous’ plantain chips

The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has cautioned resid against fried plantains popularly known as “plantain chips” made through unwholesome processes.

A viral post claiming a seller was seen making the snack using polythene has recently stirred safety concerns on social media.

The social media user who made the post, said the seller grated about five pieces of polythene and added it into the hot oil used in frying the plantain chips.

“Out of shock l asked why she had to melt that into the oil. She told me that it is done to harden the chips so it doesn’t break. Oh my God! I couldn’t believe my ears,” the post reads.

“She then went on to ask me if I have ever wondered why the ones they sell in traffic is always firm and hardly breaks. People this is deadly.”

Reacting to the post in a statement on Tuesday, LASCOPA expressed deep concern about the health implications the practice may have on consumers.

The agency advised all consumers to exercise caution and be vigilant about where they purchase their plantain chips in order not to expose themselves to any harmful substances or preventable food poisoning.

The agency added that it is presently investigating the discovery and will take appropriate actions to protect consumers and hold those responsible accountable for the dangerous practice.

LASCOPA called on members of the public to assist in calling the attention of appropriate government agencies 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 statement reads.

“The Agency can also be contacted via email at [email protected] or [email protected] or through the following phone numbers: 08124993885, 09064323154, and 08092509777.”