The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has intercepted two tankers designated for transporting edible vegetable oil found conveying automotive gas oil (diesel) in Lagos.

The NAFDAC director of investigation and enforcement, Martins Iluyomade, who briefed journalists on Monday in Lagos, described the act as a serious threat to public health and food safety.

Mr Iluyomade said the discovery occurred during one of its recent enforcement operations in Lagos State.

He said the agency investigation revealed that the two tankers, meant exclusively for edible vegetable oil, had been loaded with diesel in violation of food safety regulations.

The director said the manager claimed ignorance of the colour-coding requirements for edible oil tankers and said the vehicles had previously been used only for transporting diesel.

Mr Iluyomade said the two tankers and their drivers had been taken into custody, while investigations were ongoing to determine the full extent of the violation and ensure appropriate regulatory action.

“Vegetable oil has nothing to do with petrol or petroleum products and that is why we are very particular about it.

“Any tanker designated for edible vegetable oil must be dedicated exclusively to that purpose, which is in line with international best practices for food safety,” he said.

The director assured the public that NAFDAC would intensify its enforcement and ensure additional vigilance to prevent a recurrence of such violations.

Mr Iluyomade, who is also the chairman of the National Taskforce, urged operators in the sector to comply with established safety and regulatory requirements.

The agency also appealed to members of the public to support its enforcement efforts by reporting suspicious activities to the nearest NAFDAC office nationwide.

 (NAN)