The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a strong warning to Nigerians regarding the rising circulation of substandard and unregistered edible oils. These oils are found across markets nationwide.
The alert follows findings from a market surveillance exercise conducted by Lebruni Agro Limited. They are the producers of Liorga premium soybean and palm kernel oils. The agency said the warning is part of efforts to protect consumers from the growing health risks associated with unregulated edible oils smuggled into the country.
NAFDAC Identifies Major Illegal Brands
According to the agency, several suspicious oil brands — including OKI, FINO, SUPER DELICIEX, PUR, and LA JONIC — are being distributed illegally. They have also established warehousing facilities to sustain their operations.
These products are reportedly widespread in major cities such as Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Onitsha, Aba, and Warri.
NAFDAC explained that the oils have no traceable manufacturer details, no NAFDAC registration numbers, and no verified production or safety standards.
The agency stated:
“These brands, including but not limited to FINO, PUR, OKI, SUPER DELICIEX, and LA JONIC, maintain warehousing facilities that support their illegal distribution network. Their sources, production processes, and safety standards remain unknown.”
Public Health Risks Highlighted
NAFDAC warned that consuming unregistered or adulterated edible oils poses serious health risks. Many of these products may contain:
- harmful chemical residues,
- unrefined impurities,
- degraded fats,
which can lead to immediate or long-term complications such as cardiovascular diseases, liver damage, and other chronic health conditions.
NAFDAC Issues Safety Advisory
The agency urged importers, distributors, retailers, and health professionals to remain vigilant. They should avoid dealing with any edible oils not duly registered.
Consumers are encouraged to check for authenticity and ensure that products carry valid NAFDAC numbers before purchase or consumption.
Reports of suspected substandard products can be made through:
- Nearest NAFDAC office
- NAFDAC hotline: 0800-162-3322
- Email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng
Healthcare workers and patients may also use the agency’s E-reporting portal on its website or the Med-safety mobile app available on Android and iOS.
Background: NAFDAC Intensifies War Against Fake Products
This alert comes as NAFDAC continues to clamp down on counterfeit and unsafe products. Recently, the agency intercepted over ₦1.2 billion worth of fake antimalarial drugs in Lagos. These included unregistered Malamal Forte falsely labelled as spare parts.
Earlier, NAFDAC also flagged a falsified version of Aflotin 20/120 tablets. They issued a public warning about a fake BETACLOX (Ampicillin-Cloxacillin) antibiotic circulating in parts of the country.