NAFDAC Shuts Down Three Warehouses Over Alleged Rice Rebagging In Ekiti

NAFDAC Intensifies Crackdown on Food Fraud in Ado Ekiti

The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sealed off three major warehouses in Ado Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State, over allegations of illegal rebagging of rice. The move comes as part of the agency’s continued efforts to combat food fraud and ensure consumer safety.

The NAFDAC Coordinator for Ekiti State, Stella Dosumu, confirmed the enforcement action, stating that the warehouses were shut down due to various violations aimed at deceiving unsuspecting consumers. This development aligns with the agency’s broader mission, as emphasized by its Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, who recently reaffirmed a zero-tolerance policy against individuals engaging in the illegal trade of regulated food and drug products.

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NAFDAC’s Swift Action Following a Tip-Off

According to a statement released in Ado Ekiti on Friday, March 14, 2025, the crackdown followed credible intelligence provided by a concerned citizen. The whistleblower alerted authorities to the ongoing fraudulent practice of repackaging rice under different brand labels, prompting NAFDAC to conduct surveillance and subsequent enforcement operations.

“At the time of the visit, the team confirmed the information provided by the whistleblower,” Dosumu disclosed. “Several bales of empty branded rice bags, both local and foreign, were discovered in the warehouses. Additionally, already repackaged rice, along with sewing and sealing machines used for the process, were found on-site.”

Despite being questioned by NAFDAC officials, the managers of the warehouses failed to disclose the source of the rice being rebagged. This raised concerns about the quality and safety of the product, as there was no way to ascertain whether it met regulatory standards.

Consumer Safety at Risk Amidst Food Fraud

Rebagging rice without regulatory approval poses significant health risks to consumers. The practice often involves mixing substandard or expired rice with fresh stock before rebranding it as high-quality, trusted products. This can lead to contamination, mislabeling, and potential foodborne illnesses.

“It is a dangerous trend that compromises consumer health and misleads the public with false labeling information,” the statement warned. “Such practices will not be tolerated, as they undermine food safety regulations and endanger lives.”

To prevent further distribution of potentially unsafe rice, NAFDAC took immediate action by sealing off the warehouses, confiscating the empty branded bags, and collecting samples of the rebagged rice for laboratory analysis. Pending the outcome of the investigation, further regulatory measures will be determined.

NAFDAC Reaffirms Commitment to Food Safety

As part of its mandate, NAFDAC has intensified its crackdown on food fraud across the country. The agency reassured the public that it remains committed to ensuring that only safe and approved food products reach Nigerian consumers.

“The public is hereby reassured that NAFDAC will continue to uphold its duty of safeguarding citizens’ health by enforcing strict regulations on food and drug safety,” the statement concluded.

Consumers have been urged to remain vigilant when purchasing rice and other food products, checking for authenticity and reporting any suspicious activities to authorities. Meanwhile, NAFDAC has vowed to bring those responsible for this illegal rebagging scheme to justice, ensuring that fraudulent practices in the food supply chain are eliminated.