The videos of plastic rice, plastic garbage and other harmful edibles made with plastic went viral few weeks ago. It was alleged that these harmful goods are coming for Asia, precisely China, then many thought it was just a joke, or better still, something in the realm of fiction but all doubts have been casted aside with the Customs impounding 102 bags of plastic rice in Lagos.
The Customs Area Comptroller of the Federal Operations Unit, Ikeja, of the Nigeria Customs Service, Mohammed Haruna said the rice was meant to be sold during yuletide to the public.
Haruna said that officers of the unit intercepted the plastic rice along Ikeja area on Monday, adding that a suspect was arrested in connection with the seizure.
He said, “Before now, I thought it was a rumour that the plastic rice is all over the country but with this seizure, I have been totally convinced that such rice exists. “We have done the preliminary analysis on the plastic rice. After boiling, it was sticky and only God knows what would have happened if people consumed it.
“I advise those economic saboteurs who see yuletide season as a peak period for nefarious acts to desist from such illegal business. “The unit has decided other operational modalities that will make them run for their monies and count their losses.”
He described smuggling as a global phenomenon, adding that such act could not be curbed entirely but could be brought to its barest minimum.
The comptroller said the unit would handover the plastic rice to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC for proper investigation. NAFDAC and Standard Organization of Nigeria, SON need to step up their game, all manners of harmful products are getting into the country. It makes us wonder if these agencies are doing their jobs at all.
