The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency has cautioned operators of pepper and food-grinding machines across the state against using rusty, corroded or poorly fabricated equipment that could expose consumers to food contamination.
The warning was issued Tuesday by the agency’s General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, Afolabi Solebo, following concerns raised during the 2026 Lagos State Food Safety Conference and Exhibition.
The conference, themed, “From Burden to Solutions – Safe Food Everywhere,” focused on strengthening food safety practices across the state.
Solebo said the widespread use of grinding machines by households, food vendors, restaurants, hospitals, schools, caterers and small-scale food businesses made it necessary for operators to adhere strictly to food safety standards.
He warned that deteriorated grinding components could introduce metal particles into food, while accumulated food residues, grease and dirt could also result in contamination and cross-contamination.
According to him, operators should replace traditional cast-iron machines and other unsuitable locally fabricated equipment with stainless-steel and food-grade alternatives.
He said, “Worn, rusty or corroded grinding equipment could increase the risk of metal contamination, while accumulated food residues, dirt and grease from previous grinding activities could also compromise food safety and quality.”
The LASCOPA boss disclosed that the agency’s Monitoring and Enforcement Officers would intensify inspections of grinding and food-processing points across Lagos.
He added that establishments found violating food safety requirements would face appropriate regulatory sanctions.
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Solebo also advised operators to thoroughly clean their machines after every use, remove food residues and maintain hygienic surroundings.
He stressed that grinding components should be inspected regularly and properly maintained to prevent contamination.
The agency further urged operators to ensure that all equipment used in food processing was suitable for the purpose, particularly discouraging the continued use of poorly fabricated and deteriorated machines.
Solebo also called on consumers to pay attention to the hygiene and condition of grinding points before patronising them.
He said consumers should avoid facilities where machines appeared rusty, damaged or poorly maintained, noting that they had a role to play in protecting their health.
“Consumers have a role to play in protecting their own health by paying attention to the conditions under which their food is processed,” he said.
He also appealed to politicians and individuals providing grinding machines as empowerment schemes to invest in stainless-steel and other food-grade equipment rather than traditional alternatives that could compromise food safety.
Solebo described consumer protection as a shared responsibility, saying LASCOPA would continue with public enlightenment, market surveillance and enforcement to safeguard the health, safety and economic interests of Lagos residents.
He urged members of the public to report unsafe or unhygienic food-processing practices to the agency for investigation and necessary action.