Public Outrage as Viral Video Shows Trader Mixing Dye Into Palm Oil, Health Experts Warn of ‘Slow Murder’
By Erewunmi Peace
A disturbing video circulating on social media has sparked nationwide outrage after showing a trader allegedly mixing dye into palm oil intended for sale to consumers. The footage, which has gone viral across WhatsApp, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter), has triggered strong reactions from the public and renewed calls for stricter food-safety enforcement.
The Viral Video
In the clip, a man is seen pouring a coloured substance—believed to be synthetic dye—into a large container of palm oil while stirring it vigorously. The adulterated oil is then reportedly repackaged for sale in local markets.
The incident has alarmed consumers, many of whom describe the act as “poisoning” and “a slow method of killing innocent buyers.”
Health Experts Raise Alarm
Medical and food–safety experts warn that the use of industrial dyes in edible products is extremely dangerous. They note that some of these dyes—such as Sudan dyes and Azo dyes—are carcinogenic, meaning they can cause cancer when consumed over time.
Health professionals have described the act as “slow murder,” stressing that contaminated palm oil may lead to:
Cancer risks
Liver and kidney damage
Severe stomach complications
Long-term toxic accumulation in the body
Experts further emphasized that genuine palm oil does not require artificial colouring, and consumers should remain vigilant when purchasing unusually bright or unnaturally red palm oil.
Public Reactions
The video has intensified public anger on social media, with many Nigerians calling for the immediate arrest of the trader and others involved in food adulteration.
Concerned citizens are also urging regulators to conduct widespread market inspections to prevent such harmful practices.
Regulatory Authorities Expected to Act
Food safety authorities such as NAFDAC have previously warned against the use of synthetic dyes in palm oil, but the new viral video has renewed public pressure for immediate enforcement action, including:
Investigation of the individuals in the video
Market raids
Mandatory testing of palm oil in major markets
Heavy sanctions for food adulteration offenders
Consumers Advised to Stay Alert
Until regulators respond, experts advise the public to buy palm oil from trusted sources, cooperatives, or certified producers to reduce their risk of consuming contaminated products.
