Lagos warns residents against buying 'poisonous' plantain chips

Customers who purchase fried plantains, often known as "plantain chips," have been advised by the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency to exercise caution while purchasing these products since the plantains may have been processed in an unhealthy way.

This is in response to a widely shared social media post that purportedly showed a woman melting polythene, also referred to as rubber or nylons, into the boiling oil used to fry plantains for sale in order to solidify the chips.

In a statement released late on Tuesday, the Lagos State Government's official X handle stated that LASCOPA advised customers to be cautious when buying plantain chips in order to prevent negative health effects.

Part of the statement read, “A statement issued by the Agency today stated that the advice was necessary given the viral online picture posted by an eye witness showing a “plantain chips” seller allegedly adding Polythene 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.

“In light of this alarming discovery, the agency, therefore, 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.

“The Agency is presently investigating this discovery and will take appropriate actions to protect consumers and hold accountable those responsible for the dangerous practice.

“The Agency can also be contacted via email at lascopa@lagosstate.gov.ng or lasgcopa@gmail.com or through the following phone numbers: 08124993885, 09064323154, and 08092509777.”

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