A total of 120 bags of counterfeit rice have been seized by officials of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in three markets in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
In a statement issued on Thursday, March 20, NAFDAC said its officials raided more than 10 shops in three markets – Woji, Mile 3, and Mile 1 markets – across the city of Port Harcourt.
The raid which was conducted in collaboration with the producers of Big Bull Rice, led to the uncovering of large-scale sales of counterfeit rice and rebagging rice in these markets.
According to NAFDAC in its post on X, a particular shop in Woji was identified as the point of distribution for the counterfeit rice.
The agency also noted the officials arrested a salesgirl who was identified as Ogechi Okafor during the raid.
NAFDAC said, “Inside, officials discovered large quantities of empty counterfeit Big Bull Rice bags along with other rice brands such as Cap Rice, Stallion Rice, Tomato Rice, and Mama Pride.”
The shops raided had items like sewing machines, a stove, thread, several empty bags of rice, sealing machines among many others.
There were also some already rebagged rice in the shop which was located YKC axis of Woji market.
Emmanuel Onogwu, the Rivers State coordinator of NAFDAC urged residents and consumers alike to be wary of purchasing these batches of rice as the agency could not ascertain their sources.
He highlighted key features that distinguish the original Big Bull Rice from counterfeit versions to include a distinct shiny ribbon across the threaded top, superior bag quality, and an authentic logo.
Onogwu warned that rebagged rice often comes from questionable sources and may be treated with harmful chemicals to enhance its appearance.
