A fresh food safety concern has emerged in Nigeria following reports alleging that some small-scale vendors are adding melted plastic bags to frying oil to make plantain chips unusually crunchy and extend their shelf life.
The practice, described in a report published on Monday, November 2, has raised concerns about the safety of one of Nigeria’s most popular and affordable snacks.
According to the report, some vendors facing rising costs of plantain, cooking oil and gas may be resorting to unsafe methods to keep their products crispy for longer without increasing prices.
The alleged method involves placing polyethylene bags, commonly called nylon in Nigeria, into hot frying oil. The report claims that the melted material coats the plantain slices, giving them a hard, glossy texture and helping them remain crunchy for an extended period.
However, plastic is not an approved food ingredient, and deliberately introducing it into cooking oil could contaminate food with potentially harmful substances.
Economic pressure raises concerns
The report highlighted the challenges facing small-scale food businesses, including rising production costs and customers’ limited purchasing power.
A distributor interviewed in the report said vendors preferred chips that remained crunchy for days because customers were less likely to buy products that quickly became soft.
However, the report did not establish how widespread the alleged practice is or provide independent laboratory results confirming the presence of melted plastic in the products discussed.
Consumers urged to remain cautious
The controversy is not entirely new. In January 2024, the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency raised concerns following similar allegations circulating on social media and said it was investigating the matter.
In Ghana, the Food and Drugs Authority launched a market surveillance exercise in March 2026 after comparable claims emerged. The authority subsequently said it had found no evidence supporting the allegations at that stage, while its investigation was ongoing.
These developments highlight the importance of distinguishing verified food contamination from unconfirmed claims.
Consumers should buy plantain chips from reputable producers and report suspected unsafe food-handling practices to the relevant authorities. Unusual appearance or prolonged crispness alone cannot establish that a product contains plastic.
Food vendors, meanwhile, should adhere to approved food preparation practices and avoid introducing non-food materials into cooking oil.
The latest report has renewed calls for stronger food safety monitoring, public awareness and support for small-scale producers to help ensure that economic hardship does not compromise consumer health.
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