Lagos Warns Against Use Of Rusty Pepper-Grinding Machines

The Lagos State Government has warned operators of pepper and mill grinding machines against using rusty, corroded or poorly fabricated equipment, citing the risk of metal contamination and other food-safety concerns.

According to a statement via the official X handle of the State Government, on Monday, September 14, 2026, the General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of LASCOPA, 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.”

According to the statement, the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) urged operators across the state to replace traditional cast-iron and unsuitable locally fabricated grinding machines with stainless-steel and other appropriate food-grade equipment.

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 compliance with basic food-safety standards essential.

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He explained that worn, rusty and corroded grinding equipment could increase the risk of metal contamination, while food residues, dirt and grease left from previous grinding activities could compromise the safety and quality of food.

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 also advised operators to clean their machines thoroughly after every use, remove food residues, maintain hygienic surroundings and regularly inspect and maintain grinding components to prevent contamination and cross-contamination.

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

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

He stressed that consumer protection is a shared responsibility and assured Lagos residents that LASCOPA would continue with consumer enlightenment, market surveillance and enforcement activities to protect their health, safety and economic interests.

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

He stressed that consumers should not remain silent when they observe practices capable of compromising their safety.