Nigerian Doctor Raises Alarm Over Dye Adulterated Palm Oil, Educates Public on Detection

A popular Nigerian doctor, Aproko Doctor, has warned Nigerians about the circulation of dye adulterated palm oil, highlighting the health risks posed by unscrupulous traders who mix harmful dyes into the oil to make it appear bright red.

In a video that has gone viral on social media, Aproko Doctor explained that some traders deliberately add synthetic dyes to fake or low quality palm oil to make it look like authentic red palm oil. He cautioned that some of these dyes are carcinogenic, potentially increasing the risk of cancer among consumers.

"People are wicked. What do you mean you are putting dye in palm oil so it looks red and selling it to unsuspecting people? What people are actually consuming is not real palm oil but something mixed with dye," Aproko Doctor said in the video. "This is one of the reasons our life expectancy in Nigeria is low. These chemicals can be very harmful over time."

To protect consumers, Aproko Doctor shared practical tips on how to identify fake or adulterated palm oil.

1. Check the colour. Authentic red palm oil has a natural deep red to orange hue. If the colour seems unnaturally bright, it may be dyed.

1. Water test. Mix a small amount of the oil with water. If the oil quickly bleeds bright red into the water, it may contain synthetic dyes.

1. Smell and taste. Genuine palm oil has a distinct earthy aroma and slightly nutty taste. An unusual smell or chemical aftertaste could indicate adulteration.

1. Consistency. Real palm oil is thick and oily. Watered down or overly thin oil can be a sign of tampering.

Aproko Doctor emphasized the importance of vigilance when purchasing palm oil, advising Nigerians to buy from trusted sources and avoid suspiciously cheap products.

Adulterated palm oil poses serious health risks, as some synthetic dyes have been linked to cancer and other chronic illnesses. Experts have repeatedly warned that the continued consumption of chemically treated foods contributes to the country’s low life expectancy.

This warning comes at a time when awareness about food safety is growing in Nigeria, with consumers increasingly seeking natural and unprocessed products. Aproko Doctor’s viral video has sparked conversations across social media platforms, encouraging people to pay closer attention to the quality of everyday food items.

As Nigerian consumers face the threat of adulterated palm oil in markets, Aproko Doctor’s advice serves as a timely reminder to stay vigilant and prioritize food safety. Checking colour, consistency, taste and sourcing from reliable vendors can help reduce the risk of consuming harmful substances.