We’re investigating allegation of poisonous plantain chips — NAFDAC

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control says it is investigating the allegation that a woman fried plantain chips with the  use of  oil adulterated with polythene.

A viral social media post had claimed the woman a melted about five pieces of “olonka rubber” (polythene) into oil which se used to fry chips.

But In a statement  by NAFDAC’s Resident Media Consultant, Sayo Akintola, the agency said it was taking steps to verify the claim.

The statement said:  “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.”

NAFDAC said it was  taking a a science-based approach to probe the allegation. It said:  “The agency is taking 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 also said: “We reassure the public that NAFDAC is proactive in safeguarding health. Thorough investigation of the disturbing claim will be done”.