The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole has debunked circulationS of plastic rice in the Nigerian market.
The minister on Thursday tweeted after meeting with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control that preliminary laboratory tests indicate “no evidence” backing claims of “plastic rice” in circulation.
It could be recalled that Customs officials seized a batch of more than 100 bags of rice thought to have been “plastic”. Samples were sent out to laboratories for testing.
“I have just been briefed by the DG @nafdacagency on plastic rice reports,” he said. “Preliminary test results reveal there is no evidence backing claims.”
The rice tested negative for floating, cooked and smelled normal, had regular off-white colour. Moisture and pre-ashing tests also indicated normal levels.
The health ministry retweeted Adewole on an official handle @fmohnigeria.
He said the agency “will release detailed findings to public as soon as it concludes investigations. We urge all Nigerians to remain calm for now.”
The discovery of what was thought to have been plastic rice brought into the country for sale over Christmas caused scare among Nigerians. Rice is a staple across the country, spanning religion and ethnicity.
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