By Chiagoziem Abosi
Edited by Ezennia Uche
In a significant food safety and public health operation, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered a fake Goya oil production factory and dismantled a major alcohol counterfeit syndicate operating in Lagos.
According to the agency, its operatives discovered an illegal setup inside the Oke-Arin Market where counterfeit Goya oil was being produced using crude equipment. Instead of legitimate processes, palm oil was reportedly being burned and mixed with chlorine before being bottled for sale.
NAFDAC officials issued a stern warning particularly to churches and prayer houses where such products are often used, stressing that genuine Goya oil is never packaged in plastic (PET) bottles. Original Goya oil is only sold in glass bottles, and any product in a plastic container should be treated with suspicion and reported to authorities.
The agency’s enforcement director also revealed the arrest of a suspect linked to the production and distribution of fake alcoholic beverages in Badagry, Lagos. During the raid, investigators found a wide range of counterfeit products representing virtually every major brand, indicating a large distribution network supplying markets across Lagos.
NAFDAC urged consumers to be cautious of unusually cheap products on the market, warning that extremely low prices can be a sign of counterfeits that may pose serious health risks. Authorities emphasized that no one has the right to endanger the health of others for profit, and distributors should avoid sourcing from unauthorised suppliers.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to continued enforcement nationwide and called on the public to report suspicious products to protect their communities from fake and potentially dangerous food and drink items.
