The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has warned operators of pepper and mill grinding machines against the use of rusty, corroded and poorly fabricated equipment capable of contaminating food and endangering consumers.
The agency urged operators across the state to replace traditional cast-iron and unsuitable locally fabricated machines with stainless-steel and other food-grade equipment.
LASCOPA General Manager, Afolabi Solebo, gave the warning following concerns raised at the Lagos State Food Safety Conference and Exhibition 2026, held under the theme; “From Burden to Solutions – Safe Food Everywhere.”
Solebo said the widespread use of grinding machines by households, food vendors, restaurants, hospitals, boarding schools, caterers, traders and small-scale food businesses made compliance with basic food-safety standards essential.
He explained that worn-out, rusty or corroded grinding equipment could increase the risk of metal contamination in food.
According to him, accumulated food residues, dirt and grease from previous grinding activities could also compromise the safety and quality of food products.
Solebo disclosed that LASCOPA’s Monitoring and Enforcement Officers would intensify compliance checks at food-processing and grinding points across Lagos State.
He said establishments found using unsafe or unsuitable equipment would face appropriate regulatory action.
The LASCOPA boss advised operators to clean their machines thoroughly after every use, remove food residues and maintain hygienic surroundings.
He also urged them to inspect grinding components regularly and ensure that they are properly maintained to prevent contamination and cross-contamination.
Solebo advised consumers to be vigilant when patronising grinding points, urging them to avoid locations where machines are visibly deteriorated or unhygienic.
He also appealed to politicians and other public-spirited individuals who provide grinding machines as empowerment initiatives to prioritise stainless-steel and other food-grade equipment.
He stressed that consumer protection was a shared responsibility, assuring Lagos residents that LASCOPA would continue with consumer enlightenment, market surveillance and enforcement activities to protect their health, safety and economic interests.
Solebo urged members of the public to report unsafe or unhygienic food-processing practices to the agency for investigation and appropriate action.
He said consumers should not remain silent when they observe practices capable of compromising their safety.
- Media Report