A woman has raised the alarm over the alleged practice, claiming that some sellers put pieces of nylon into frying oil before adding sliced plantains. The material is reportedly used to make the chips harder, crunchier and less likely to break
The allegation has renewed public concern about the safety of street food and the possibility that consumers may unknowingly be exposed to harmful substances.
It also brings back memories of a similar controversy in January 2024, when the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) began investigating claims that some plantain chip producers were using nylon during frying.
Lagos consumer protection authorities had also warned residents about potentially unsafe plantain chips, while a similar concern emerged in Ghana in March 2026. Although Ghana’s Food and Drugs Authority later said its investigation found no evidence to support the allegation, the issue continues to attract attention across the region.
The latest claims have once again raised questions about food handling practices and the need for proper monitoring to protect consumers. However, the allegation against plantain chip vendors has not been independently established, and further investigation would be needed to determine whether the practice is actually taking place.
