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.
A shop on the YKC axis of Woji was identified as a distribution point for the fake rice.
NAFDAC disclosed this in a statement accompanied by photos and videos shared on its official X handle on Thursday
According to NAFDAC officials, the raid led to the discovery of 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.
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.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.
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.
