NAFDAC Alerts Nigerians as Niger Bans Bulmex Rice Over Metallic Contamination

By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted Nigerians following the ban on the importation of Bulmex Parboiled Rice by the Republic of Niger after iron debris was discovered in the product.

The agency said the alert was issued to strengthen surveillance and prevent the possible circulation of the affected rice into Nigeria through cross-border trade, although its availability in the Nigerian market has not been confirmed.

NAFDAC, in Public Alert No. 034/2026 issued on Thursday, said the Niger Republic’s Ministry of Trade and Industry imposed the ban following an investigation by the Agadez Regional Directorate of Commerce and Industry, which confirmed metallic contamination in the product.

According to the agency, the investigation found iron debris in the rice, rendering it unsafe for human consumption and prompting the Nigerien authorities to prohibit its importation and distribution.

“The investigation report confirmed that iron debris was found in the product, making it unsafe for consumption. As a precaution, the importation and distribution of the affected product have been prohibited,” NAFDAC stated.»

The agency explained that Bulmex is marketed as a brand of Indian parboiled rice and Pakistani long-grain rice. It identified the product’s key suppliers as Karam Food Grains Private Limited, Paragon Commodities Limited, and Imoro Brunya/Sulemana Imoro Distribution Company.

NAFDAC said the rice is reportedly imported and marketed in parts of Africa, particularly Nigeria and the Republic of Niger, but stressed that its presence in the Nigerian market has yet to be established.

“The availability of Bulmex parboiled rice in the Nigerian market, as claimed, has not yet been confirmed. NAFDAC is issuing this alert to strengthen surveillance and prevent the possible circulation of the product through cross-border trade,” the agency added.»

The agency urged consumers to remain vigilant and report any suspected sale of substandard, falsified or counterfeit regulated products to the nearest NAFDAC office, through its toll-free line, 0800-162-3322, or via email at sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.