LASCOPA Urges Safe Equipment Use for Food Safety in Lagos

The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) issued a warning to sellers of pepper and mill grinding machines on September 17, 2026, regarding the dangers of using rusty, corroded, and poorly fabricated equipment. General Manager/Chief Executive Officer Afolabi Solebo stated that such practices could contaminate food and pose serious health risks to consumers.

The warning was prompted by discussions at the Lagos State Food Safety Conference and Exhibition 2026, themed “From Burden to Solutions – Safe Food Everywhere.” Solebo urged operators throughout Lagos State to replace outdated cast-iron and unsuitable locally fabricated machines with stainless-steel and other food-grade equipment. He emphasized that the widespread use of these machines by households, food vendors, restaurants, hospitals, boarding schools, caterers, traders, and small-scale food businesses necessitated strict adherence to food safety standards.

Solebo pointed out that worn and corroded equipment could lead to metal contamination, while accumulated residues could compromise food safety and quality.