May 27, 2022

Amidst the controversy surrounding the case of suspected contaminated milk brought to the attention of Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) in April this year, an independent Forensic Laboratory Test carried out by the Agency revealed that the product was safe for human consumption.

A statement signed by the General Manager of LASCOPA, Afolabi Solebo Esq, recalled that the intervention of the Agency on the issue led to the temporary closure of the warehouse that stored the alleged contaminated milk products in Ojodu Berger.

He explained that after a meeting between the Agency and the makers of the milk products FrieslandCampina WAMCO, it was agreed that an independent laboratory test should be conducted on the products to ascertain the toxicity level and guide the consuming public accordingly.

Revealing the outcome of the findings, LASCOPA’s General Manager said that the test carried out by a reputable and accredited laboratory shows that the product passed the Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS) requirements.

His words: “Parameters tested conformed to all standards. All the measured values of the parameters tested in the physicochemical and microbiological properties of both the test and control samples passed the Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS) requirements”.

“From the outcome of the laboratory report, all the samples (both the test and control) met the NIS standard requirements with no defect. As such, the alleged contaminated milk products are suitable and fit for human consumption”, he added.

Solebo, however, pointed out that based on the laboratory result, the milk sample which looked hazardous with an offensive odour could be due to poor storage conditions and, or, poor handling.

He stated further that given the outcome of the investigation and laboratory tests, LASCOPA has categorised the incident of the alleged contaminated milk product as an isolated case and concluded that all peak milk products by FrieslandCampina WAMCO Plc are safe for human consumption.

While urging consumers and the general public to be vigilant always about what they purchase and to promptly report cases of unfair trade practices to the Agency, the General Manager reiterated the Agency’s commitment to continuous protection of public interest in Lagos State.