The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has confiscated counterfeit rice worth N5 billion and shut down eight illegal rice shops and a warehouse in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
In a statement on Friday, the agency revealed that its officials intercepted over 1,600 bags of fake rice at Wuse and Garki markets in Abuja, following a coordinated operation.
Kenneth Azikiwe, the head of NAFDAC’s Federal Capital Territory Directorate, who led the operation, said the counterfeit rice was being repackaged in branded bags to deceive unsuspecting consumers.
“Upon receiving these intelligence tips, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, issued a directive that only safe, quality, and wholesome food products should be available to Nigerians during the yuletide and beyond,” Azikiwe said.
“She specifically instructed that those counterfeiting popular brands of rice should be arrested and their products removed from the market.”
Azikiwe lamented the dangers posed by such counterfeit products, emphasizing that consumers believe they are purchasing quality rice, but the repackaged items often fail to meet safety and quality standards.
The operation, which involved extensive surveillance, uncovered facilities where a woman specialized in repackaging popular rice brands.
According to Azikiwe, the repackaging activities took place at night in a warehouse located behind her residence.
“Once the repackaging is completed, the products are moved to another warehouse during the day for sale to unsuspecting consumers,” he explained.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health and ensuring that only safe and quality food products are sold in Nigerian markets.
Prof. Adeyeye urged consumers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious food products to NAFDAC.
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