Lagos Warns Pepper, Mill Operators Against Using Rusty Grinding Machines

The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency, LASCOPA, has warned operators of pepper and mill grinding machines against using rusty, corroded or poorly fabricated equipment, citing the risk of food contamination.

The agency urged operators across the state to replace traditional cast-iron and unsuitable locally fabricated machines with stainless-steel or other food-grade equipment.

LASCOPA General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, Afolabi Solebo, issued the warning following concerns raised at the 2026 Lagos State Food Safety Conference and Exhibition.

Solebo said worn or corroded grinding equipment could introduce metal particles into food, while accumulated food residues, dirt and grease could increase the risk of contamination and affect food quality.

He announced that the agency’s monitoring and enforcement officers would intensify inspections at food-processing and grinding points across Lagos, with regulatory action to be taken against operators found using unsafe equipment.

The agency also advised operators to clean and maintain their machines after every use and regularly inspect grinding components to prevent contamination and cross-contamination.

LASCOPA urged consumers to be vigilant and avoid grinding points where equipment is visibly rusty, damaged or unhygienic.

The agency further appealed to individuals and organisations providing grinding machines as empowerment initiatives to prioritise stainless-steel and other food-grade equipment.