The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has warned operators of pepper and mill grinding machines across the state against using rusty, corroded or poorly fabricated equipment, saying such machines could contaminate food and expose consumers to health risks.
The agency also advised operators to replace traditional cast-iron and other unsuitable locally fabricated machines with stainless-steel and appropriate food-grade equipment.
LASCOPA General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, Afolabi Solebo, gave the warning following concerns raised at the Lagos State Food Safety Conference and Exhibition 2026, held under the theme, “From Burden to Solutions, Safe Food Everywhere.”
Solebo noted that pepper and mill grinding machines are widely used by households, food vendors, restaurants, hospitals, boarding schools, caterers, traders and small-scale food businesses, making proper hygiene and equipment maintenance essential.
He warned that deteriorated grinding equipment could introduce contaminants into food products.
“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.”
LASCOPA said it would step up compliance checks at food-processing and grinding points across Lagos State to ensure operators meet required food-safety standards.
The agency’s Monitoring and Enforcement Officers are expected to inspect facilities, with regulatory action to be taken against establishments found using unsafe or unsuitable equipment.
Solebo also urged operators to clean their machines thoroughly after every use, ensuring that food particles and other residues are removed from grinding components.
He advised them to maintain clean surroundings and regularly inspect and maintain machine parts to reduce the risk of contamination and cross-contamination.
Consumers were also advised to exercise caution when patronising grinding points.
According to LASCOPA, residents should avoid facilities where grinding machines are visibly damaged, heavily corroded or operated in unhygienic surroundings.
Solebo further appealed to politicians and other individuals who donate grinding machines as part of empowerment programmes to prioritise stainless-steel and other food-grade equipment rather than machines that could compromise food safety.
He stressed that consumer protection requires cooperation between regulators, businesses and the public, assuring Lagos residents that LASCOPA would continue its consumer education, market surveillance and enforcement activities.
The agency said the measures are aimed at protecting the health, safety and economic interests of consumers across Lagos State.
LASCOPA also encouraged residents to report unsafe or unhygienic food-processing practices to the agency for investigation and appropriate action.
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