NAFDAC Seizes Two Edible Oil Tankers Used to Transport Diesel in Lagos

• NAFDAC impounds two edible oil tankers found transporting diesel during an enforcement operation in Lagos.
• Agency warns that using the same tankers for petroleum products and edible oil poses a serious public health risk.
• Drivers detained as investigations continue, with NAFDAC vowing strict enforcement of food safety regulations.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has seized two tankers designated for transporting edible vegetable oil after they were found conveying Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel, in Lagos.

The agency said the seizure was made during a recent enforcement operation, barely three months after it warned transporters against using the same tankers for both petroleum products and edible oil, describing the practice as a serious threat to public health.

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Speaking with journalists, NAFDAC’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Martins Iluyomade, disclosed that investigations revealed the two vehicles, designated exclusively for transporting edible vegetable oil, had been loaded with diesel in violation of food safety regulations.

According to Iluyomade, the manager of the tankers claimed he was unaware of the colour-coding system introduced for edible oil tankers.

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“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,” he said.

Iluyomade stressed that tankers approved for transporting edible vegetable oil must never be used to carry petroleum products because of the high risk of contamination and the potential danger to consumers.

“Vegetable oil has nothing to do with petrol or petroleum products, and that is why we are very particular about it,” he said.

He added that any tanker designated for transporting edible vegetable oil must be dedicated solely to that purpose in line with international food safety standards and best practices.

NAFDAC reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing food safety regulations nationwide and warned transporters, tanker owners and operators to comply strictly with established guidelines to safeguard public health.