The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted the public to iron debris contamination in Bulmex Parboiled Rice.
NAFDAC disclosed that it was informed that the Niger Republic’s Ministry of Trade and Industry had banned the importation of Bulmex Parboiled Rice from India.
According to the agency, the action was reportedly taken following concerns raised during an investigation and regulatory oversight by the Agadez Regional Directorate of Commerce and Industry in the Niger Republic.
“The investigation report confirmed that iron debris was found in the product, making it unsafe for consumption. As a precaution, the importation and distribution of the affected product have been prohibited,” NAFDAC said.
Citing the notification it received, the agency noted that Bulmex is primarily known as a brand of Indian parboiled rice and Pakistani long-grain rice.
NAFDAC identified the product’s key suppliers as Karam Food Grains Private Limited, Paragon Commodities Limited, and Imoro Brunya/Sulemana Imoro Distribution Company.
“The product is claimed to be imported and marketed in Africa, particularly in Nigeria and the Republic of Niger,” it said.
NAFDAC revealed that the availability of Bulmex Parboiled Rice in the Nigerian market, as claimed, has not yet been confirmed. It explained that the alert is aimed at strengthening surveillance and preventing the possible circulation of the product through cross-border trade.
The regulatory body urged all zonal directors and state coordinators to conduct surveillance and mop up the implicated rice if found within their zones and states, adding that it would continue to monitor developments and provide further updates where necessary.
It also advised distributors, retailers, and consumers to exercise caution and vigilance throughout the supply chain to prevent the distribution, sale, and consumption of the implicated product.
The agency further advised consumers to carefully verify the product’s authenticity and physical condition and to report any suspected sale of substandard, falsified, or counterfeit regulated products to the nearest NAFDAC office, by calling 08001623322 or by email at sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.
Similarly, healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of regulated products to the nearest NAFDAC office, through the e-reporting platforms available on the NAFDAC website at www.nafdac.gov.ng, via the Med Safety application available for download on Android and iOS devices, or by email at pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng.
