The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public alert warning Nigerians about a brand of imported rice reportedly banned by the Niger Republic after investigators discovered metallic contamination in the product.
In a public alert, the agency disclosed that it had been notified by the Niger Republic’s Ministry of Trade and Industry that the importation of Bulmex Parboiled Rice from India had been prohibited following regulatory investigations.
According to NAFDAC, the ban followed findings by the Agadez Regional Directorate of Commerce and Industry, which reportedly detected iron debris in the rice, rendering it unsafe for human consumption.
”The investigation report confirmed that iron debris was found in the product, making it unsafe for consumption. As a precaution, the importation and distribution of the affected product have been prohibited,” the agency stated.
NAFDAC ssid that Bulmex is marketed as a brand of Indian parboiled rice and Pakistani long-grain rice, with major suppliers identified as Karam Food Grains Private Limited, Paragon Commodities Limited, and Imoro Brunya/Sulemana Imoro Distribution Company.
The agency noted that the product is reportedly imported and sold across parts of Africa, particularly in Nigeria and the Republic of Niger.
However, NAFDAC stressed that it has not yet confirmed whether the implicated rice is currently available in Nigerian markets.
”It is important to note that the availability of Bulmex parboiled rice in the Nigerian market, as claimed, has not yet been confirmed. NAFDAC is issuing this alert to strengthen surveillance and prevent the possible circulation of the product through cross-border trade,” the agency said.
To prevent the product from entering the Nigerian food supply chain, NAFDAC said it had directed all its zonal directors and state coordinators to intensify market surveillance and immediately seize the rice if found anywhere in the country.
”The agency will continue to monitor developments and provide further updates where necessary,” it added.
NAFDAC also urged distributors, wholesalers, retailers and consumers to exercise caution by carefully verifying the authenticity and physical condition of rice products before purchase or distribution.
The agency advised members of the public to report any suspected sale of substandard, falsified or counterfeit regulated products to the nearest NAFDAC office.
It also encouraged healthcare professionals and consumers to report any adverse events or health concerns linked to regulated products through the nearest NAFDAC office or the agency’s electronic reporting platforms.