By Nkechi Eze
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), in collaboration with producers of Big Bull Rice, has raided shops in Woji, Mile 3, and Mile 1 markets in Port Harcourt, uncovering large-scale sales of counterfeit Big Bull Rice.
During the operation, a shop on the YKC axis of Woji was identified as a major distribution point for the fake rice. 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.
A salesgirl, identified as Ogechi Okafor, was apprehended at the scene.
Additional items recovered from the shop included sewing and sealing machines, a generator, a stove, thread, and several bags of already re-bagged rice.
Pharm. Emmanuel Onogwu, NAFDAC’s Rivers State Coordinator, highlighted key features that distinguish the original Big Bull Rice from counterfeit versions, including a distinct shiny ribbon across the threaded top, superior bag quality, and an authentic logo.
He warned that rebagged rice often comes from questionable sources and may be treated with harmful chemicals to enhance its appearance, posing serious health risks.
However, over 120 fake bags of rice were seized from more than ten shops and transported to the NAFDAC Zonal Office for further investigation and enforcement actions.
