FDA defends best-before-date extension on 22,000 bags of rice for SHS students

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has clarified its decision to extend the best-before-date for 22,000 bags of rice distributed to Senior High Schools (SHSs) across Ghana in February, stating that thorough quality assessments confirmed the rice remained safe for consumption.

The FDA’s statement follows allegations by North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who claimed the rice, initially marked with a December 2023 best-before-date, was unwholesome and had been distributed after expiration.

Mr Ablakwa also alleged that the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) and Lamens Investments Africa Limited had collaborated to distribute expired rice, which had been repackaged in bags labelled "ECOWAS" and "Made in Ghana rice" without an updated expiry date.

Joseph Yaw-Bernie Bennie, the FDA’s Director of Legal and Corporate Affairs, responded to these concerns.

He confirmed that the FDA initially sanctioned Lamens Investments Africa for repackaging the rice with an expired best-before-date and imposed a fine of GH¢100,000.

However, Mr. Bennie explained that subsequent rigorous testing by the FDA, the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), and an accredited laboratory in India verified the rice's safety.

Based on these findings, the FDA extended the best-before-date to April 2024, allowing the rice to be used within schools during that period.

“Confirmatory tests from three laboratories, including those in India, assured us the rice was still fit for consumption.

While Lamens initially requested an extension to December 2024, we limited it to April 2024, requiring further verification for any future extensions,” Mr. Bennie stated.

He also confirmed that Lamens Investments Africa adhered to all FDA protocols in securing the extension, ensuring that the rice was safe for Ghana’s schoolchildren.

He spoke in an interview with Accra-based Joy FM on Thursday, November 21.