Rice has been the staple food in Asian and African countries. However, these precious grains have been synthetically manufactured using plastic by unscrupulous people just to make some money for themselves. Nigeria is one of the countries being victimized by 'plastic rice'.
Recently more than a hundred sack of 'plastic rice' has entered Nigeria but was confiscated by the customs service. The Nigerian government has denied the alleged report and proved that the grains contain no plastic material.
According to BBC, it is not yet certain where the 102 confiscated sacks came from but last year reports point out that the fake rice manufactured out of plastic pellets has been found in China.
Health Minister Isaac Adewole tweeted that the test conducted on the alleged "fake rice" shows "no proof" that the grains were indeed made of materials containing plastic. He said that the agency will deliver definite results to public once it's done with the analysis, pacifying Nigerians. BBC Lagos respondent, Stephanie Hegarty said that the findings can be expected next week.
On Wednesday, Lagos customs chief Haruna Mamudu stated that the "fake rice" was planned to be sold just in time for the festivities. As of the moment, he didn't say anything regarding the minister's announcement. According to him, the "plastic rice" was very glutinous after being boiled.
Mamudu has appealed on economic infiltrators who cite the holiday season as a peak period for their nefarious acts to desist from such illegal" business activity. There has been a commotion in several parts of the country after the report of "plastic rice' being exported by the country, TV360 Nigeria reported.
The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) of the Nigeria Customs Service said that 102 bags of "plastic rice" which is equivalent to about 2.5 tons been seized by the customs. Each sack weighs 25 kilograms and has the "Best Tomato Rice" brand.
Further investigation is still in process and results will be out next week.
