PRESS RELEASE: ALLEGED PLASTIC RICE: NO CAUSE FOR ALARM

The Honorable Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole has urged Nigerians to be calm as there was no basis to substantiate claims of availability of plastic rice in the country. The Minister said that there was no cause for alarm as Nigerians embark on the festive holidays.
The Minister who was briefed by the Acting Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Mrs. Yetunde Oni revealed that preliminary findings by the Agency failed to validate the claims.

According to her, “following the reports on the seizure of “alleged plastic rice”, NAFDAC Team of Inspectors led by the Director Ports Inspection Directorate(PID) and Director laboratory services visited the Area Comptroller’s Office, Ikeja, Lagos and drew samples from the seized consignment for Laboratory analysis. The products were in 25kg pack size with no NAFDAC number, batch details and manufacturing details of address of manufacture and date markings.

The following preliminary tests and results were found to be in conformity with the specification for rice:

Floating — negative,
cooking — normal,
Odour — normal,
Colour- off-white rice grains ,
Moisture-?13.0 ,
Pre-ashing — normal.the total of 102 bags seizure

The laboratory investigation continues while NAFDAC in collaboration with Customs will intensify vigilance and surveillance activities at all entry ports and borders. Members of the consuming public should always look out for the following information:

Address of manufacturer, Production Date,
Best Before Date
NAFDAC Registration No
Batch Number for all regulated products.

Health Minister therefore called on Nigerians not to panic as the relevant agency will keep Nigerians informed of any product injurious to their health. He however encouraged all Nigerian to buy local Nigerian rice which is cheaper and healthier than the foreign ones.

Boade Akinola (Mrs)

Director, Media and Public Relations

Federal Ministry of Health