Rice labeled as plastic by Customs was actually contaminated by microorganism- NAFDAC

Authorities of the National Agency For Food and Drug Administration NAFDAC, yesterday addressed a joint press conference with officials of the Nigeria Customs Service NCS, where the final result on tests carried out on the "Plastic Rice" seized by some Customs officers in Lagos(read here), was released. According to the acting Director General of NAFDAC, Yetunde Oni, the bags of rice seized were not plastic rice but rice contaminated by microorganisms. Read the joint press statement released by NAFDAC below...

Following the report of the seizure of the "suspected fake rice", by men of Nigeria Customs Service, the Agency swung into action by sending team of inspectors to the office of the Customs Area Comptroller, Federal Operations Ikeja, Lagos to draw samples from the seized consignment for Laboratory analysis. The product, branded as “Best Tomato” was in 25kg pack size, without NAFDAC number, no batch number, no date markings and no details of the manufacturer. The preliminary result of the analysis was conveyed to the Honorable Minister for Health, Prof Isaac F. Adewole and was made public on 22nd December, 2016 whilst awaiting the comprehensive result. I hereby this day the 29th December 2016 present the full Laboratory report as follows:

1. Floating - Negative
2. Sedimentation - Positive
3. Cooking - Normal
4. Odour - Normal
5. Colour - Off-white grains
6. Moisture - 13% (within specification)
7. Pre-ashing - Normal
8. Ash - 0.6% (within specification)
9. Lead and Cadmium - Not detected
10. Aerobic mesophillic count - 2.8x105cfu (above maximum limits)
11. Mould - 5.1x103cfu- (within specification)
12. Coli form - 7.5x103cfu (above maximum limits)
13. E-coli - <3cfu (within specification)
14. Packaging - Does not conform to NAFDAC pre-
packaging Food labeling regulations 2005

Based on the above Laboratory result, the product is not plastic but rice contaminated with microorganisms above permissible limit, hence the seized rice consignment is UNSATISFACTORY and therefore unwholesome for human consumption. The consignment upon handover by the Nigeria Customs Service shall be destroyed.

I wish to thank the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service and his men for the timely interception of this unwholesome rice. NAFDAC in collaboration with Nigerian Customs Service will continue to intensify vigilance and surveillance activities at all entry ports and boarders.

May I use this medium to appeal to the General Public to report any suspicious case(s) about all NAFDAC regulated products to any of the NAFDAC offices across the Nation for prompt regulatory action. I appeal for continued support and cooperation of all Nigerian to team up with NAFDAC in our concerted effort to deliver on our mandate of safeguarding the health of the Nation.

For enquiries, please contact the following:

08013630600
09094262773
08033112282
E-mail: nafdac@nafdac.gov.ng

Thank you.