The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has explained that it extended the best-before date for 22,000 bags of rice distributed to Senior High Schools (SHSs) nationwide in February because the product was deemed wholesome after a thorough quality assessment.
The clarification comes in response to allegations by North Tongu Member of Parliament, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who claimed the rice was unwholesome.
Mr. Ablakwa alleged that the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) and Lamens Investments Africa Limited colluded to distribute expired rice, initially marked with a December 2023 best-before date.
He further accused the company of repackaging the rice in locally made sacks labeled “ECOWAS” and “Made in Ghana rice” without including an expiry date.
The FDA’s Director of Legal and Corporate Affairs, Joseph Yaw-Bernie Bennie, addressed the matter in an interview on Joy FM on Thursday, November 21.
He acknowledged that the FDA initially sanctioned Lamens Investments Africa for repackaging rice with an expired best-before date. The company was fined GH¢100,000 for the infraction.
However, Bennie noted that subsequent rigorous testing by the FDA, the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), and an accredited laboratory in India confirmed that the rice met quality standards.
Based on these findings, the FDA extended the best-before date to April 2024, ensuring it remained safe for consumption during the extended period.
“The FDA found that the product could still be consumed safely based on confirmatory tests from three laboratories. While the producer initially requested an extension to December 2024, we approved it only until April 2024. We also required Lamens to provide further evidence from the manufacturer to justify any additional extensions,” Mr. Bennie explained.
He added that Lamens Investments Africa followed due process to secure the extension after meeting all FDA requirements.
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