The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has warned operators of pepper and grinding machines against using rusty or poorly fabricated equipment.
The agency said such equipment could expose consumers to metal contamination and other food-safety risks.
Mr Afolabi Solebo, LASCOPA General Manager/Chief Executive Officer, gave the warning in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos.
Solebo said the warning followed concerns raised at the 2026 Lagos State Food Safety Conference and Exhibition.
The conference had the theme, ‘From Burden to Solutions – Safe Food Everywhere.’
He urged operators across Lagos to replace traditional cast-iron and unsuitable locally fabricated machines with stainless-steel and food-grade equipment.
Solebo said the widespread use of grinding machines by households, food vendors and restaurants made compliance with food-safety standards imperative.
He listed hospitals, boarding schools, caterers, traders and small-scale food businesses among other users of the machines.
According to him, worn, rusty or corroded grinding equipment could increase the risk of metal contamination during food processing.
The LASCOPA boss also warned that accumulated food residues, dirt and grease from previous grinding activities could compromise food safety and quality.
He said: “Operators must understand that food safety is not optional.
“The use of unsafe or poorly maintained grinding machines exposes consumers to avoidable health risks.”
Solebo said the use of hygienic and food-grade equipment was critical to safeguarding public health.
He disclosed that LASCOPA’s Monitoring and Enforcement Officers would intensify compliance checks at food-processing and grinding points across the state.
The agency, he said, would take appropriate regulatory action against establishments found using unsafe or unsuitable equipment.
The general manager advised operators to clean grinding machines thoroughly after every use and remove accumulated food residues.
He also urged operators to maintain hygienic surroundings and regularly inspect and maintain grinding components.
Solebo said proper maintenance would help prevent food contamination and cross-contamination during processing.
He advised consumers to remain vigilant when patronising grinding points, particularly where equipment appeared deteriorated or unhygienic.
The LASCOPA chief also appealed to politicians and public-spirited individuals providing grinding machines through empowerment programmes to prioritise stainless-steel and food-grade equipment.
He described consumer protection as a shared responsibility between regulators, operators and consumers.
Solebo assured Lagos residents that LASCOPA would sustain consumer enlightenment, market surveillance and enforcement activities across the state.
He urged residents to report unsafe or unhygienic food-processing practices to the agency for investigation and appropriate action.
“Consumers should not remain silent when practices capable of compromising their safety are observed,” he said. (NAN)
