Following the uncovering and seizure of several bags of the supposed plastic rice by the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Wednesday, the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, yesterday disclosed that preliminary test results reveal there is no evidence backing claims of plastic rice in Lagos.
Customs Area Comptroller, Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘A’, Ikeja; Comptroller Haruna Mamudu said the unit seized no fewer than 102 bags of the plastic rice at a warehouse in Ikeja, Lagos.
Mamudu said the bags of plastic which had been packaged for sale during the yuletide were to be evacuated before Customs operatives swooped on the warehouse.
According to Mamudu, the imported rice, which was branded as ‘best tomato’, had no manufacture or expiry date and NAFDAC registration number.
But in a series of tweets yesterday, the Minister said, “I have just been briefed by DG @NafdacAgency on Plastic Rice reports. Preliminary test results reveal there is no evidence backing claims.
“Tests conducted; floating – negative, cooking – normal, odour normal, color – off white rice grains, moisture – 13.0, pre-ashing – normal.
“@nafdacagency will release detailed findings to public as soon as it concludes investigations. We urge all Nigerians to remain calm for now.”
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