The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has impounded two tankers designated for transporting edible vegetable oil after they were discovered carrying Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), popularly known as diesel, during an enforcement operation in Lagos.

The agency said the seizure comes barely three months after it warned transporters against using the same tankers for both petroleum products and edible oil, describing the practice as a serious public health risk.

Speaking to journalists, NAFDAC’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Mr. Martins Iluyomade, disclosed that investigations revealed the two tankers, which were exclusively designated for transporting edible vegetable oil, had been loaded with diesel in clear violation of food safety regulations.

According to him, the manager of the tankers claimed he was unaware of the colour-coding system introduced for vehicles approved to transport edible vegetable oil.

“The two tankers and their drivers have been taken into custody, while investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the violation and ensure appropriate regulatory action,” Iluyomade said.

He stressed that tankers approved for transporting edible vegetable oil must never be used to convey petroleum products because of the high risk of contamination and the danger such practices pose to public health.

“Vegetable oil has nothing to do with petrol or petroleum products, and that is why we are very particular about it,” he said.

Iluyomade further explained that dedicated food-grade tankers are a global standard designed to protect consumers from exposure to harmful contaminants.

“Any tanker designated for edible vegetable oil must be dedicated exclusively to that purpose in line with international best practices for food safety,” he added.

NAFDAC reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing food safety standards nationwide and warned transporters, depot operators and logistics companies to strictly comply with existing regulations, stressing that violators would face appropriate sanctions.