The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in collaboration with producers of the Big Bull rice, has carried out a series of raids on shops in Woji, Mile 3, and Mile 1 markets in Port Harcourt, uncovering large-scale sales of counterfeit Big Bull Rice.
In a statement released on Thursday, the agency disclosed that a shop located along the YKC axis of Woji was identified as a key 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.
Meanwhile, a salesgirl, identified as Ogechi Okafor, was apprehended at the scene.
Other items recovered from the shop included sewing and sealing machines, a generator, a stove, thread, and several bags of already rebagged rice.
Pharm. Emmanuel Onogwu, NAFDAC’s Rivers State Coordinator, highlighted key features that distinguish the original Big Bull Rice.
According to Onogwu, from counterfeit versions, including a distinct shiny ribbon across the threaded top, superior bag quality, and an authentic logo.
He warned that the rebagged rice often comes from questionable sources and may be treated with harmful chemicals to enhance its appearance.
“In total, over 120 fake bags of rice were seized from more than ten shops and transported to the NAFDAC Zonal Office for further investigation,” Onogwu added.
