Guinea: Authorities Seize Over 10 Thousand Bags Of Spoiled Rice Intended For Guinean Markets

Guinean authorities have seized more than 10 thousand bags (500 tonnes) of rice unfit for consumption that were intended for sale in local markets.

The rice bags, which had rotted, were discovered in two warehouses on a farm in Bentourayah, Maneah, by agents from the National Office of Quality Control (ONCQ). The rice was being repackaged into bags of famous brands and prepared for sale to the public.

The operation was carried out last week after ONCQ inspectors received information that rice meant for animal consumption was being sold to the market as edible rice for humans.

The Director General of the ONCQ, Mohamed Kadiatou Sylla, said the authorities have officially requested to secure the site and have notified the Prosecutor’s Office. He assured the public that the spoiled rice would be destroyed and not a single bag would be allowed to enter the market.

The Secretary General of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Small and Medium Enterprises, Mamadou Saliou Diaby, expressed shock at the discovery, saying that the discovery was beyond belief that “Guineans could seek money on the backs of other Guineans by making them sick.” He condemned those responsible for trying to profit by selling harmful products to fellow citizens, noting that even the workers at the site were exposed to health risks.

The Deputy Prosecutor at the Court of First Instance of Coyah, Mohamed Aly Condé, announced that a judicial investigation had been launched against those involved. He labelled the act as a “poisoning of the population” and promised that the law would be strictly enforced.

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