The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted Nigerians to the ban imposed by the Republic of Niger on the importation of Bulmex Parboiled Rice from India following reports of metallic contamination in the product.
In Public Alert No. 034/2026 obtained by First Daily correspondent on Thursday, the agency said it received notification that the Niger Republic’s Ministry of Trade and Industry prohibited the importation and distribution of the rice after investigations found iron debris in the product, rendering it unsafe for human consumption.
According to NAFDAC, the action followed regulatory oversight conducted by the Agadez Regional Directorate of Commerce and Industry in the neighbouring country.
The agency explained that Bulmex is marketed as a brand of Indian parboiled rice and Pakistani long-grain rice and is reportedly distributed across parts of Africa, including Nigeria and the Republic of Niger.
The statement added that NAFDAC identified the key suppliers of the product as Karam Food Grains Private Limited, Paragon Commodities Limited, and Imoro Brunya/Sulemana Imoro Distribution Company.
The agency, however, noted that it has not confirmed the availability of Bulmex Parboiled Rice in the Nigerian market.
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It said the public alert was issued as a precautionary measure to strengthen surveillance and prevent the possible circulation of the affected product into Nigeria through cross-border trade.
“NAFDAC is issuing this alert to strengthen surveillance and prevent the possible circulation of the product through cross-border trade,” the agency stated.
The regulatory body urged consumers and distributors to remain vigilant and report any suspected sale of substandard, falsified or counterfeit regulated products to the nearest NAFDAC office.
It also advised members of the public to use its dedicated toll-free line, 0800-162-3322, or email sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng to report suspected cases.
NAFDAC reiterated its commitment to protecting public health by monitoring the safety and quality of food products in circulation and working with relevant authorities to prevent unsafe products from entering the Nigerian market.