Don warns palm oil producers against adulteration

Professor Kehinde Owolarafe from the Department of Agriculture and Environmental Engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, has cautioned palm oil industry stakeholders, including producers, distributors, marketers, and retailers, against adulterating the product, citing potential health risks for consumers. He delivered this warning during a workshop organized by the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) in Osogbo, Osun State, themed ‘Promoting Palm Oil Value Chain via Standardization’.
Owolarafe highlighted Nigeria’s historical dominance in palm oil production, which has waned over the years, with Indonesia and Malaysia now leading globally. Despite recent increases in local production, Nigeria still imports around one million metric tonnes to satisfy demand. He attributed Nigeria’s production challenges to factors like aging oil palm plantations, inadequate processing technologies, and unfavorable agricultural policies. Owolarafe urged producers to enhance both the quality and quantity of palm oil to meet international export standards.
SON’s Director-General, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, represented by the agency’s Southwest Director, Ethan Talatu, emphasized the workshop’s objective of raising awareness among stakeholders to ensure palm oil production aligns with government standards. Source: Punch

OUR REVIEW
Professor Owolarafe’s cautionary remarks underscore the urgent need for quality control in Nigeria’s palm oil industry, impacting stakeholders across the value chain. Adulteration not only jeopardizes consumer health but also tarnishes the industry’s reputation, affecting trust and market demand. Nigeria’s historical decline in palm oil dominance reflects broader challenges like outdated plantations and inadequate technology, hindering productivity and global competitiveness. Addressing these issues requires collaborative efforts among producers, policymakers, and regulators to implement stringent standards and modernize production practices. By enhancing quality and quantity to meet international benchmarks, Nigeria can reclaim its position in the global market, fostering growth and economic development. SON’s initiative to raise awareness signifies a crucial step towards ensuring industry compliance and safeguarding consumer interests, ultimately driving sustainable growth in the palm oil sector.