In a sweeping crackdown on food fraud, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), in collaboration with Big Bull Rice producers, has raided major markets in Port Harcourt, exposing a syndicate involved in the large-scale sale of counterfeit rice.
The operation targeted shops in Woji, Mile 3, and Mile 1 markets, where officials discovered stockpiles of fake Big Bull Rice cleverly rebagged to deceive unsuspecting consumers.
One shop on the YKC axis of Woji was flagged as a key distribution hub, where empty counterfeit Big Bull Rice bags were found alongside other brands like Cap Rice, Stallion Rice, Tomato Rice, and Mama Pride.
During the raid, NAFDAC operatives apprehended a salesgirl, identified as Ogechi Okafor, caught in possession of materials used for rebagging substandard rice. Items seized included sewing and sealing machines, a generator, a stove, industrial thread, and several sacks of already repackaged rice.
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Pharm. Emmanuel Onogwu, NAFDAC's Rivers State Coordinator, warned consumers about the dangers of counterfeit rice, revealing that fake products often come from dubious sources and may be chemically treated to enhance their appearance.
He highlighted key differences between authentic Big Bull Rice and counterfeits, including a unique shiny ribbon across the threaded top, superior bag quality, and an official logo.
Over 120 fake bags of rice were seized from more than ten shops and transported to NAFDAC's Zonal Office for further investigation. Officials have vowed to intensify their crackdown to dismantle the counterfeit rice network and bring those responsible to justice.
Consumers are urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious rice sales to NAFDAC to prevent health risks associated with fake and possibly contaminated food products.
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