NAFDAC warns as substandard vegetable oils flood Nigerian markets

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised alarm over the increasing circulation of substandard and unregistered edible oils across Nigeria.

In a public alert issued on its official X account, the agency identified several brands, including FINO, PUR, OKI, SUPER DELICIEX, and LA JONIC, as products of concern. According to NAFDAC, the oils are being smuggled into the country and sold openly in major markets despite lacking regulatory approval.

The agency stated that the products, whose sources, production processes, and safety standards remain unknown, have flooded markets in cities such as Onitsha, Aba, Owerri, Warri, Enugu, Port Harcourt, Ikom, Calabar, Lagos, Kano, Kebbi, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Yola, Gombe, Bauchi, Idiroko, Makurdi, and Lafia.
“NAFDAC is alerting the public to the incessant importation and circulation of some substandard and unregistered edible oils in Nigeria,” the statement said.

The agency further noted that the products do not carry identifiable manufacturer details or NAFDAC registration numbers and are not listed in its regulatory database.

“It is evident that these products have no identifiable manufacturer identities or NAFDAC registration numbers in Nigeria. They are obviously not registered by NAFDAC and are not available on the NAFDAC database,” the agency stated.

NAFDAC urged consumers and traders to report any suspected substandard or unregistered edible oil products to the nearest NAFDAC office.

Meanwhile, Lebruni Agro Limited, a Nigerian company that produces hygienically processed soybean oil under the Liorga brand as well as palm kernel oil, has also expressed concern over the continued importation and distribution of unregistered edible oils in the country.

The company said an internal market surveillance exercise uncovered several brands currently in circulation, including FINO, PUR, OKI, SUPER DELICIEX, and LA JONIC. According to the company, the products are supported by warehousing facilities that aid their illegal distribution network across the country.

Industry stakeholders have warned that the proliferation of unregulated edible oils poses potential health risks to consumers and undermines efforts to maintain food safety standards in Nigeria.