The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has confiscated 120 bags of counterfeit rice from various shops in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The operation was conducted in collaboration with Big Bull rice producers following a series of targeted raids.
In a statement from NAFDAC’s Public Relations Officer for the Southsouth zone, Cyril Monye, the agency confirmed that the raids took place at Woji, Mile 3, and Mile 1 markets, with counterfeit Big Bull rice among the items seized.
NAFDAC’s Rivers State Coordinator, Pharm. Emmanuel Onogwu, issued a warning to both the public and traders to be cautious about fake and rebagged rice being sold in the market. During the raid, a shop in the YKC area of Woji was identified as a major source of the counterfeit rice, where large quantities of empty fake Big Bull rice bags and other products, including Cap Rice, Stallion Rice, and Mama Pride, were found.
A sales assistant, identified as Ogechi Okafor, was arrested during the operation. Additionally, items such as sewing machines, ceiling machines, generator sets, stoves, thread, and bags of rebagged rice were recovered.
Onogwu advised consumers to check for distinct features when purchasing Big Bull rice, including the shiny ribbon that runs across the top of the bag, the high-quality material of the bag, and the company logo. He also emphasized that rebagged rice, often polished with chemicals, comes from questionable sources and should be avoided.
NAFDAC reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the public from counterfeit food products and urged consumers to report any suspicious items to the agency.
