ICC Note:

Rice is a staple food for Nigerians and is frequently given as a Christmas gift because it is filling, relatively inexpensive, and easy to make. It is especially vital for internally displaced persons’ camps (IDPs). Over the last several weeks, approximately 40,000 bags of rice were seized after rumors that the rice was plastic. After running tests, officials discovered the rice was not plastic but contained high levels of contaminants which still made it dangerous for human consumption. Whether the rice was intentionally sabotaged or simply expired is not yet known, but contaminated rice could prove damaging to relief efforts.

12/30/2016 Nigeria (Premium Times) – Recent reports of plastic rice in Nigeria were untrue as the suspicious shipment merely contained a significant amount of contaminants, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has said.

The acting Director-General of the agency, Yetunde Oni, at a press briefing on Thursday in Abuja, said though the rice was found not to be plastic, contrary to media reports, it was still “unwholesome for human consumption”.

There was anxiety in country earlier this month when a report stated that the Nigerian Custom Services had intercepted tonnes of plastic rice allegedly imported by unscrupulous businessmen for distribution during the Christmas festive period.

The Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole, however debunked the report after some preliminary studies revealed otherwise. He said there was no truth in the report and assured Nigerians that there was no cause for alarm.

However, the laboratory result which was made public Thursday confirmed the earlier declaration by the minister.

…

[Full Story]