NAFDAC Confiscates 120 Bags of Fake Rice in Port Harcourt Raid

 

The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has seized 120 bags of counterfeit rice from various shops in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

According to a statement by NAFDAC’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the South-South zone, Cyril Monye, the discovery was made during a joint raid with Big Bull Rice, a well-known rice production company.

Pharm. Emmanuel Onogwu, NAFDAC’s Coordinator in Rivers State, cautioned both traders and consumers about fraudulent individuals selling fake and rebagged rice in the market.

NAFDAC operatives, in collaboration with Big Bull Rice, stormed: Woji Market, Mile 3 Market and Mile 1 Market.

At these locations, counterfeit Big Bull Rice was being sold to unsuspecting customers.

During the operation, authorities uncovered a shop in the YKC axis of Woji, Port Harcourt, believed to be a major distribution point for fake rice. Inside, they found:  Large quantities of empty fake rice bags labeled as Big Bull, Cap Rice, Stallion Rice, Tomato Rice, and Mama Pride, Sewing and sealing machines, A generator set, A stove and thread and Several bags of already rebagged rice

A salesgirl, Ogechi Okafor, was arrested at the scene.

Onogwu advised consumers to look out for key features that distinguish genuine Big Bull rice from counterfeits. Shiny ribbon across the threaded top, High-quality packaging material and Authentic Big Bull logo

He further warned that fake rice is often repackaged from questionable sources and sometimes polished with chemicals to make it appear fresh.

Consumers are urged to be vigilant and report any suspicious rice brands to NAFDAC to help curb the sale of fake food products.