NAFDAC uncovers fake Big Bull rice, arrests one in Port Harcourt

By Barth Ndubuwah, Port Harcourt

The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) Coordinator in Rivers State, Pharmacist Emmanuel Onogwu, has issued a caution to the public and traders regarding the circulation of counterfeit and repackaged rice being sold by fraudulent individuals.

He stated that the agency, working in collaboration with producers of BIG BULL rice, conducted raids on shops at Woji, Mile 3, and Mile 1 markets in Port Harcourt, where counterfeit BIG BULL rice was being sold.

One of the shops, located in the YKC area of Woji, Port Harcourt, was suspected of being a key distribution point for the fake rice. Large quantities of empty counterfeit Big Bull rice bags were discovered, along with other products such as CAP Rice, Stallion Rice, tomato products, and Mama Pride rice. A sales assistant, who identified herself as Ogechi Okafor, was also apprehended at the shop.

Additional items seized from the premises included sewing and sealing machines, a generator, a stove, threads, and bags of already repackaged rice.

Onogwu urged consumers to be vigilant and identify distinctive characteristics that set genuine Big Bull rice apart from the counterfeit versions. These features include a glossy ribbon running across the stitched top, superior bag quality, and the brand’s logo. 

He further cautioned that repackaged rice often originates from unverified sources and is sometimes treated with chemicals to enhance its appearance, which may pose serious health risks.

More than 120 bags of counterfeit rice were seized from over ten different shops and transferred to the NAFDAC Zonal Office for further investigation.