Cross River’s Commodity and Quality Control Board has warned palm oil dealers in the state to refrain from adulterating the product, citing its effect on human health.

Ogbiji Nyiam, director-general of the board, gave the warning during a meeting with the dealers on Tuesday in Calabar.

According to him, the dealers have been using dangerous chemicals hazardous to human health in colouring the oil to deceive members of the public.

Mr Nyiam warned the dealers to stop such action immediately, stressing that the board would begin checks on the products.

“All production of agricultural commodities must be protected and made safe for consumption. The board will embark on checks, especially on commodities produced in the state,” he explained. “We need to create a Cross River brand of quality management system according to International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), of 9001-2015 standards.”

The board director-general added that Nigerians deserved the best, and producers and merchants must ensure that whatever they took to market was safe for the people.

Danlami Saleh, the chairman of the Association of Oil Merchants in Cross River, commended the board and promised that the traders would cooperate to make oil safe for human consumption. 

(NAN)