NAFDAC Issues Rice Authenticity Warning to Nigerian Consumers

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) issued a public alert in November 2019 regarding cases of misrepresented rice in Nigeria, including expired rice and local varieties repackaged in foreign brand bags. Consumers are advised to conduct checks before purchasing rice, focusing on product information such as the manufacturer's details, country of origin, batch number, production date, and expiry information.

Essential details should not be missing or altered. Packaging can indicate potential issues, including damaged seals or unusual repackaging.

Buyers should also inspect the bag for dampness, tears, or contamination. While Nigerian, Indian, and Thai rice can all be legitimate, the authenticity of rice cannot be determined solely by its origin.

Consumers should be cautious of sellers making unverifiable claims about a product's origin and should not assume that foreign rice is superior to local varieties. Proper storage of rice is also emphasized to maintain quality.