NAFDAC Seizes 120 Fake Bags of Rice in Rivers, Warns Against Rebagged Products

NAFDAC Seizes 120 Fake Bags of Rice in Rivers, Warns Against Rebagged Products

The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has confiscated 120 fake bags of rice from various shops in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, in a crackdown on counterfeit food products.

According to a statement by the NAFDAC Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the South-South zone, Cyril Monye, the operation was conducted in collaboration with Big Bull rice to combat the sale of rebagged and adulterated rice.

The NAFDAC Coordinator in Rivers State, Pharm. Emmanuel Onogwu, cautioned traders and consumers to be vigilant about fake rice being sold by unscrupulous individuals.

“The agency, in collaboration with producers of Big Bull rice, raided shops at Woji, Mile 3 and Mile 1 markets in Port Harcourt, where bags of fake Big Bull rice were being sold,” he said.

One of the targeted shops in the YKC area of Woji was discovered to be a supply hub for fake rice, with large quantities of empty Big Bull rice bags and other brands like Cap Rice, Stallion Rice, Tomato, and Mama Pride.

A salesgirl identified as Ogechi Okafor was arrested at the shop.

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Additionally, authorities recovered sewing and sealing machines, a generator set, a stove, thread, and bags of already rebagged rice, which were allegedly polished with chemicals to enhance their appearance.

Onogwu urged the public to look out for distinctive features that separate original Big Bull rice from fake versions, including:

– A shiny ribbon running across the threaded top

– High-quality bag material

– The official Big Bull logo

“Rebagged rice comes from questionable sources and is often polished with chemicals to make it look more attractive,” he warned.

NAFDAC has intensified its anti-counterfeit operations to ensure the safety of consumers, urging the public to report suspicious food products to the agency.