The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned Nigerians against using Goya oil sold in PET bottles, describing such products as fake and unsafe.
The warning was issued on Friday during a media briefing at NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate office in Lagos.
Dr Martins Iluyomade, Director of Investigation and Enforcement, said Goya oil sold in plastic bottles is not licensed by the agency.
“Goya oil sold in plastic bottles is fake. The only approved product is imported in original bottles by authorized dealers,” Iluyomade told journalists.
He revealed that NAFDAC uncovered large-scale production of fake Goya oil at Oke-Arin Market in Idumota, Lagos.
According to him, burnt palm oil was mixed with coloring and repackaged as Goya oil for unsuspecting consumers.
“We discovered a factory producing fake Goya oil. Palm oil, coloring, stoves and empty bottles were recovered at the site,” he said.
Iluyomade warned that many Nigerians were unknowingly using the harmful product packaged in plastic bottles. He urged religious organizations not to allow the sale of PET-bottled Goya oil during gatherings, warning that offenders would be prosecuted.
He also appealed to Nigerians to report suspected counterfeiting activities to the nearest NAFDAC office for prompt action.
Goya oil is widely used as anointing oil in churches for prayers, healing and spiritual protection. It is also used as a premium culinary oil for cooking, frying, salad dressings, and as a natural skin moisturizer.
Iluyomade further disclosed that a suspect, Moses Nelson, was arrested for distributing adulterated and counterfeit alcoholic drinks. Empty exotic alcohol bottles, sachets, and PET-bottled alcohol were recovered from the suspect’s residence in Badagry, Lagos State.
He warned counterfeiters to desist, assuring that NAFDAC would pursue offenders endangering Nigerians’ health for quick profit.
