Fake food alert: NAFDAC seizes toxic big bull rice 120 bags in Port Harcourt

Officials of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have seized counterfeit rice in Port Harcourt.

The raid took place in major markets, including Woji, Mile 3, and Mile 1, where fake Big Bull Rice was discovered.

NAFDAC disclosed this in a statement shared on X.com on Thursday, accompanied by photos and videos from the operation.

According to the statement, a particular shop in the YKC axis of Woji was used as a distribution hub for the fake rice.

Inside the shop, NAFDAC officials found empty counterfeit Big Bull Rice bags alongside other brands like Cap Rice and Stallion Rice.

Other fake rice brands discovered included Tomato Rice and Mama Pride, all repackaged for unsuspecting buyers.

During the raid, a salesgirl identified as Ogechi Okafor was arrested at the scene for her involvement in the operation.

Authorities also recovered several tools used for rebagging, including sewing machines, sealing machines, and a generator.

Other seized items included a stove, sewing thread, and multiple bags of already repackaged rice ready for sale.

NAFDAC’s Rivers State Coordinator, Emmanuel Onogwu, provided key features to identify original Big Bull Rice.

He explained that the genuine rice has a shiny ribbon across the threaded top and superior bag quality.

Onogwu also pointed out that the authentic version carries a distinct logo that differentiates it from counterfeit products.

He warned that rebagged rice often comes from unknown sources and may contain harmful chemicals.

Some sellers reportedly use these chemicals to enhance the appearance of the fake rice before packaging.

Over 120 fake bags of rice were seized from more than 10 shops during the enforcement operation.

NAFDAC confirmed that the seized items have been transported to the agency’s Zonal Office for further investigation.

Officials assured the public that efforts are ongoing to track down more distributors of counterfeit rice.

NAFDAC also urged consumers to be vigilant and report any suspicious rice brands to the agency.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that only safe and high-quality food products are sold in Nigeria.

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