Deadly Oil Crisis: Nigerians Consuming Red Oxide Instead of Palm Oil as Economic Hardship Bites Harder | READ DETAILS
Afnews Editor
Jun 02, 2025
A shocking investigation reveals how rising palm oil prices have forced Nigerian families to unknowingly consume deadly red oxide. Click to read the full story.
https://youtu.be/iabJRa5pi50
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...How skyrocketing prices are exposing families to food poisoning and toxic chemicals
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As Nigeria's economy continues to spiral downward, the consequences have taken a terrifying turn - with families unknowingly consuming red oxide, a dangerous industrial chemical, in their search for affordable cooking oil.
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What seems like a harmless effort to save money has morphed into a silent public health crisis, as fake palm oil laced with red oxide floods markets across the country, threatening the health and safety of millions.
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Palm Oil Now a Luxury
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Palm oil - a staple in many Nigerian homes - has become a rare commodity. Once sold for N5,000 per 5-litre keg, it now goes for as high as N12,000, depending on the location. A 25-litre keg reportedly costs over N50,000.
The price surge has left families scrambling for cheaper alternatives. But in doing so, many are falling victim to a deadly scam.
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Fake Oil in Circulation
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Investigations by Economy & Lifestyle revealed a growing trend: unscrupulous sellers are mixing palm oil with red oxide, a pigment derived from Iron (III) oxide - a chemical primarily used in the manufacture of paints and industrial products.
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One palm oil dealer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: "Some sellers mix red oxide with bad-quality palm oil to make it appear reddish and appealing. It's all about profit. Red oxide is cheap, and the final product looks like real palm oil to unsuspecting buyers.ÔÇØ
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Sick Families, Suspicious Oil
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Mrs. Yemisi Oloyode, a fashion designer in Lagos, shared her ordeal: "Everyone in my house had a runny stomach. I changed everything - water, spices - nothing worked until I stopped using the new palm oil I bought outside my usual supplier. That was when it stopped.ÔÇØ
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She explained that although she had suspicions about the strange colour and taste, she ignored them because the price was too tempting. "It's only God that will save us,ÔÇØ she added.
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Another consumer, Mrs. Gladys Douglas, a school teacher, narrated how leftover oil in a bowl turned pink shortly after cooking. "I returned it to the seller. She claimed it was what she was supplied,ÔÇØ she said.
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Health Experts Raise Red Flag
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Red oxide - also known scientifically as FeÔééOÔéâ - is a toxic compound not meant for human consumption. According to Mr. Adeolu Aderibigbe, a Science Laboratory Technician, ingestion of red oxide can lead to food poisoning and long-term organ damage.
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"This chemical is used in manufacturing paints and coatings. Consuming it, even in small amounts, can impair the kidneys, liver, and central nervous system,ÔÇØ he warned.
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Adulteration Now Widespread
Mr. Jay, another supplier, admitted the problem is widespread. "It's everywhere. Not just the retailers, even the suppliers are involved. Many people can't tell the difference unless they're experienced.ÔÇØ
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He said while he insists on selling unadulterated oil, most customers ignore his products because they're more expensive. "Nigerians love awoof,ÔÇØ he said bluntly.
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A Nation at Risk
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With red oxide-laced palm oil now in circulation, and no active food safety enforcement in many markets, the risk of mass poisoning looms.
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Experts are calling for urgent action - from tighter market surveillance to government-backed public sensitization - before this silent crisis explodes into a full-blown health emergency.
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As the price of basic food items continues to rise, more Nigerians will be forced into risky purchases, making the red oxide menace a ticking time bomb in kitchens nationwide.
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— Afnews Editor