The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a stern warning to Nigerians regarding the circulation of counterfeit Goya oil packaged in plastic PET bottles, describing the products as unsafe for consumption and spiritual use.
The announcement came during a press briefing on Friday at NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate in Lagos.
Dr. Martins Iluyomade, the agency’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, emphasised that only Goya oil imported in its original, authorised bottles meets regulatory standards.
“Goya oil sold in plastic bottles is not approved by NAFDAC and should be considered counterfeit.
“The genuine product is imported and distributed exclusively by licensed dealers, ” he said.
The agency’s investigations uncovered a large-scale operation producing fake Goya oil at the Oke-Arin market in Idumota, Lagos.
Authorities seized equipment, empty bottles, stoves, and adulterated oil at the site, which had been produced by mixing burnt palm oil with colouring agents before being repackaged to resemble the authentic product.
Iluyomade warned that many unsuspecting Nigerians had already been exposed to the harmful counterfeit oil.
He also urged religious organisations to avoid selling PET-bottled Goya oil during church activities and threatened prosecution for offenders.
Consumers are encouraged to report suspected cases of adulteration or counterfeiting to their nearest NAFDAC office for swift intervention.
Goya oil is widely known for its dual use: as a premium cooking oil for frying, salad dressings, and general culinary purposes, and as anointing oil in churches for prayers, spiritual protection, and healing rituals.
It is also valued as a natural skin moisturizer.
In a related development, Dr. Iluyomade reported the arrest of a suspect, Moses Nelson, for distributing counterfeit alcoholic beverages.
Authorities recovered empty exotic alcohol bottles, sachets, and PET-bottled drinks from his residence in Badagry, Lagos State.
“Counterfeiters endangering public health for profit must desist immediately,” Dr. Iluyomade warned.
“NAFDAC will continue to pursue offenders rigorously to safeguard Nigerian consumers.”
