This post alleges that a woman fried plantain chips using oil adulterated with polythene.

In a statement released on Saturday by NAFDAC's Resident Media Consultant, Sayo Akintola, the agency affirmed its dedication to ensuring public health and emphasized its commitment to a science-based approach in verifying the claims before taking any decisive action.

The agency, recognizing the gravity of the allegation, is actively pursuing a thorough examination of the situation to ascertain the accuracy of the information.

The viral post suggests that the woman purportedly melted approximately five pieces of "olonka rubber" (polythene) into the oil before proceeding to grate plantains for chip preparation. NAFDAC remains vigilant in its efforts to address this concerning issue and will act accordingly based on the findings of their investigation.

The statement partly read, “The attention of the Management of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has been drawn to viral posts making the rounds on social media where an individual was reporting the alleged frying of plantain chips by a woman who “before she grated the plantain into the hot oil she melted about five of the white polythene what we call ‘olonka rubber’ into the oil.”

But NAFDAC noted that the post began circulating before the date the practice was supposedly observed, without indicating the geographical location.

“The agency is taking a science-based approach in her response to the alleged claim and will conduct necessary laboratory investigation into the claim. In the meantime, our advice to the public who consume NAFDAC regulated food products remains the same and centres around being vigilant as consumers,” the statement added.

It is recommended that individuals purchasing NAFDAC-regulated food products exercise vigilance and caution, according to an advisory issued. The agency emphasized the importance of buying from reputable sources and checking for NAFDAC registration numbers on product labels to ensure authenticity.

The advisory further cautioned against products exhibiting suspicious packaging, objectionable smell/color, or unrealistically low prices. The statement reassured the public of NAFDAC's proactive stance in safeguarding health, pledging a thorough investigation into the disturbing claims.