Consumers of fried plantains popularly known as “plantain chips,” have been warned of unwholesome processing and frying adopted by sellers including its implications on health to avoid food poisoning.

The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency gave the caution on Tuesday in a statement on its official X account, in reaction to a viral picture showing a “plantain chips” seller adding polythene known as “rubber” into hot vegetable oil used in frying the plantain. 

Expressing concern about the unhealthy practice, the agency in the statement said, “in light of this alarming discovery, the agency, therefore, advised all consumers to exercise caution and be vigilant about where they purchase their plantain chips in order not to ignorantly expose themselves to any harmful substances or preventable food poisoning. 

“The agency is presently investigating this discovery and will take appropriate actions to protect consumers and hold accountable those responsible for the dangerous practice,” it noted.

LASCOPA urged residents to inform it and other appropriate government agencies about unfriendly and unlawful practices among sellers of consumable items that can put the health of consumers at risk.

“LASCOPA is located at No 2B, Soji Adepegba Close off Allen Avenue Ikeja with Annex offices situated within Badagry Local Government Secretariat, Bariga LCDA, Ikorodu Local Government and Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA.

“The Agency can also be contacted via email at lascopa@lagosstate.gov.ng or lasgcopa@gmail.com or through the following phone numbers: 08124993885, 09064323154, and 08092509777,” it added.