The Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), also known as KAI, has apprehended a suspected vendor of adulterated yam flour, following a tip-off from the Elubo Sellers Association executives in the Maidan area of the State.
EpeInsights gathered that the suspect, identified as Mrs. Kehinde Raji, was arrested by operatives attached to the Mile 12 Market axis while allegedly selling contaminated ‘elubo’ (yam flour) containing questionable powder and yam peels at the Ajelogo area.
The Corps Marshal of LAGESC, Major Olaniyi Olatunbosun Cole (Rtd), disclosed this at the Agency’s Command Headquarters in Bolade, Oshodi. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that all processed food items sold in the state comply with food safety standards.
“We must highlight the critical importance of selling food that meets approved food administration standards. Acting on formal complaints from the Elubo Sellers Association, our officers moved swiftly to apprehend the vendor. The adulteration of yam flour is a dangerous and growing threat, contributing to health issues faced by unsuspecting consumers across Lagos,” Cole stated.
Upon interrogation, Mrs. Raji denied involvement in any adulteration, claiming she only sells ‘elubo lafun’ a fermented cassava flour powder.
She insisted that the product was not mixed with any other substance and emphasized that ‘elubo lafun’ is typically sold in its pure form due to its unique texture preferred by consumers.
She further revealed that she ventured into the trade in 2024, following the death of her husband. Left to care for three children, she said she was encouraged to join the business due to the profitability observed among existing ‘elubo’ traders.
The Corps Marshal added that samples of the seized product will be forwarded to the Lagos office of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for testing and further investigation. Legal action, he said, would follow based on NAFDAC’s findings and recommendations.
LAGESC reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public health through the enforcement of sanitation and food safety regulations in markets across Lagos State.
