LASCOPA moves against unsafe pepper-grinding machines

By Adebola Muili

The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has warned operators of pepper and mill grinding machines against the use of rusty, corroded and poorly fabricated equipment, citing the risk of metal contamination and other food-safety hazards.

The agency also urged operators across the state to replace traditional cast-iron and unsuitable locally fabricated machines with stainless-steel and other appropriate food-grade equipment.

The General Manager/Chief Executive Officer of LASCOPA, Afolabi Solebo, gave the warning in a statement made available to journalists on Monday, September 14, 2026, following concerns raised at the Lagos State Food Safety Conference and Exhibition 2026.

The conference, held under the theme, “From Burden to Solutions – Safe Food Everywhere,” highlighted the need for stronger adherence to food-safety standards in food-processing activities.

Solebo said the widespread use of pepper and mill grinding machines by households, food vendors, restaurants, hospitals, boarding schools, caterers, traders and small-scale food businesses made proper hygiene and equipment maintenance imperative.

He explained that worn-out, 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 compliance checks at food-processing and grinding points across the state.

He said appropriate regulatory action would be taken against establishments found using unsafe or unsuitable equipment.

Solebo advised operators to clean their machines thoroughly after every use, remove food residues and maintain hygienic surroundings.

He also urged them to regularly inspect and properly maintain grinding components to prevent contamination and cross-contamination during food processing.

The General Manager further urged consumers to be vigilant when patronising grinding points, advising them to avoid locations where equipment is visibly deteriorated or unhygienic.

He also appealed to politicians and other public-spirited individuals providing grinding machines as empowerment initiatives to prioritise stainless-steel and other food-grade equipment.

Solebo emphasised that consumer protection was a shared responsibility, assuring Lagos residents that LASCOPA would continue its consumer enlightenment, market surveillance and enforcement activities to protect their health, safety and economic interests.

He urged members of the public to report unsafe or unhygienic food-processing practices to the agency for investigation and appropriate action.

Solebo stressed that consumers should not remain silent when practices capable of compromising their safety are observed, as timely reporting would help the agency address potential food-safety risks.