Significant quantities of fake rice were seized recently in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, by representatives of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
In a statement released on Thursday, NAFDAC uploaded images and videos from its official social media accounts to mark this development.
In collaboration with the Big Bull Rice manufacturers, NAFDAC raided stores in Port Harcourt’s Woji, Mile 3, and Mile 1 markets, exposing widespread sales of fake Big Bull rice, the statement said.
A store on Woji’s YKC axis was found to be a major hub for the fake rice’s distribution.
Officials discovered a significant quantity of empty fake Big Bull Rice bags during the operation, along with bags of other rice brands, such as Mama Pride, Cap Rice, Stallion Rice, and Tomato Rice, the statement said.
Ogechi Okafor, a salesperson, was detained at the scene, according to the notification.
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It also revealed that the products taken from the store included several sacks of rebagged rice, sewing and sealing machines, a stove, a generator, and thread.
In the statement, NAFDAC’s Rivers State Coordinator, Emmanuel Onogwu, highlighted the unique qualities that differentiate real Big Bull Rice from fake goods. Higher quality bags, an authentic brand, and a distinctive glossy ribbon along the threaded top are some of these features.
Onogwu issued a warning, pointing out that rebagged rice often comes from questionable sources and might be treated with dangerous chemicals to make it seem better.
More than 120 fake rice sacks were seized from more than ten different stores, according to the agency, and taken to the NAFDAC Zonal Office for additional inspection.
