The Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) has created a new test kit to detect adulterated palm oil in the market.
This important step aims to ensure that consumers receive high-quality palm oil products from traders.
Dr Isona Gold, the Executive Director of NIFOR, announced this development during an interview with The Standard Gazette on Monday, 24 February 2025, in Benin City, the capital of Edo State.
Dr Gold explained that the purpose of the test kit is to inform the public about the dangers of palm oil artificially coloured with Sudan dyes. These dyes make the oil appear very red, which attracts consumers but is harmful to their health.
“Many adulterated oils use Sudan dyes to make the oil look very red. Traders know this, which is why they add these dyes to their oil,” Dr Gold said.
“For years, there have been complaints about adulterated oil being mixed with substances to make low-quality oil look more vibrant and appealing.”
Palm oil that contains Sudan dyes is dangerous to human health.
These dyes are not meant for consumption and have been linked to various health problems.
NIFOR’s New Test Kit
Dr Gold highlighted that government regulatory agencies have struggled to control the palm oil market in Nigeria. However, NIFOR has now addressed this issue by developing an analysis test kit named the ‘NIFOR CPO Adulteration Analysis Kit’ (NIFOR CAAK).
The NIFOR CAAK test kit allows analysts to detect the presence of Sudan dyes in palm oil products. This makes it easier to identify and penalise traders who sell adulterated oil to the public.
With this new test kit, consumers can be confident about the quality of palm oil they purchase, whether for cooking or industrial use.
The test kit is easy to use and provides quick results, making it a valuable tool for market inspectors, food safety agencies, and even individual buyers.
Dr Gold also pointed out another major concern – some traders mix waste products from palm oil production with edible oil. These waste products are usually used for making soap and other industrial purposes, but they are not safe for consumption. Unsuspecting consumers buy these mixed oils, unaware of the dangers they pose to their health.
Dr Gold urged the public to put pressure on local regulatory agencies to monitor traders in their markets. This would help ensure that only high-quality oil and food products are sold, making the markets safer for everyone.
The Growing Issue of Adulterated Palm Oil
Authorities and the general public are being urged to pay attention to the widespread circulation of adulterated palm oil in Nigerian markets.
Reports indicate that fake palm oil has infiltrated markets in six states-Imo, Lagos, Yobe, Oyo, Ogun, and Plateau-and continues to spread to other regions.
A few arrests have been made, and laboratory tests on seized samples revealed high acid content and other harmful substances, some of which are believed to be carcinogenic.
Market dealers and sellers have raised the alarm, warning that adulterated palm oil is being sold rapidly as Nigerians look for cheaper alternatives amid rising food inflation.
Palm oil prices have surged by 120%, from N5,000–N5,500 for a 5-litre gallon in November 2023 to N11,000-N11,500 in 2024.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) confirmed that the adulterated palm oil contained dyes, substances known to pose cancer risks when consumed over time.
Consumers are advised to be cautious when buying palm oil. They should look for trusted sources and, if possible, use the NIFOR CAAK test kit to check the quality of the oil.
By staying informed and demanding better food safety regulations, the public can help reduce the sale of dangerous, adulterated palm oil in Nigeria.
The development of the NIFOR CAAK test kit marks a significant step forward in the fight against food adulteration. It provides a simple yet effective solution to a long-standing problem, offering hope for safer and healthier palm oil in Nigerian markets.
