Expired Rice: FDA certified extension for SHS distribution, Fresh details reveal
Fresh details have emerged regarding the allegations made by North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, about the distribution of 22,000 bags of allegedly expired and repackaged rice to Senior High Schools (SHSs). The NDC lawmaker had accused the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) and Lamens Investments Africa Limited of distributing rice that had expired … The post Expired Rice: FDA certified extension for SHS distribution, Fresh details reveal appeared first on Asaase Radio.
Fresh details have emerged regarding the allegations made by North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, about the distribution of 22,000 bags of allegedly expired and repackaged rice to Senior High Schools (SHSs).
The NDC lawmaker had accused the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) and Lamens Investments Africa Limited of distributing rice that had expired in December 2023.
He further claimed that the rice was repackaged in local sacks labeled “ECOWAS” and “Made in Ghana rice,” without proper expiry dates.
In response, the Ministry of Education clarified on November 14, 2024, that the rice in question had been certified as safe for consumption by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA).
The Ministry explained that Lamens Ventures, which was contracted by NAFCO, had imported the rice with an initial expiry date of December 2023. However, by the end of the year, some of the rice had not been distributed to schools.
Following the advice of the FDA, Lamens Ventures re-tested the rice in India, its country of origin, to assess its usability.
After the tests, the FDA confirmed that the rice was still safe for consumption and granted an extension of its “Best Before” date to April 30, 2024.
Kwasi Kwarteng, a spokesperson for the Ministry, emphasized that all rice distributed to schools in February 2024 had been certified as wholesome by the FDA. Additionally, Lamens Ventures sought and received FDA approval to re-bag the remaining rice with updated labels reflecting the new expiry date.
The FDA has reiterated that the rice met all safety standards and posed no health risks. Despite this, Mr. Ablakwa maintains that the rice was expired and unfit for students, rejecting the FDA’s findings.
In light of the concerns, the Ministry has launched an investigation to ensure transparency and address public concerns over the matter.
Read initial findings: Supply of Expired Rice to Students under the Free SHS Programme
1. The National Food Buffer Stock Company Limited (NAFCO) engaged Lamens Ventures to procure rice for distribution to students under the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) program.
2. A total of 11,000 metric tons of rice was imported, with an initial expiry date of December 2023.
3. By the last quarter of 2023, NAFCO still had a portion of this stock yet to be supplied to schools.
4. On the advice of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Lamens Ventures followed the necessary protocols to have the rice re-tested in India, its country of origin.
5. The re-testing was to ascertain the possibility of extending the rice’s shelf life by an additional year, to December 2024.
5. Following further evaluations and verifications, the FDA granted a temporary extension of the rice’s “Best Before” date to 30th April 2024, after confirming the product’s continued wholesomeness.
6. It is important to note that February 2024 was the last time Lamens distributed these rice to schools through NAFCO and at the time the rice was deemed wholesome by the FDA
7. To address concerns from schools regarding the rice’s perceived expiry date, Lamens Ventures submitted a formal request to the FDA, dated 9th February 2024, seeking approval to re-bag the remaining stock to reflect the updated shelf life.
8. The rice was certified by the FDA as wholesome for consumption, with its new expiry date extended to April, 2024.
Fresh Details Emerge on Alleged Expired Rice Distribution to SHSs
Fresh details have emerged regarding the allegations made by North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, about the distribution of 22,000 bags of allegedly expired and repackaged rice to Senior High Schools (SHSs).
The NDC lawmaker had accused the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) and Lamens Investments Africa Limited of distributing rice that had expired in December 2023. He further claimed that the rice was repackaged in local sacks labeled “ECOWAS” and “Made in Ghana rice,” without proper expiry dates.
In response, the Ministry of Education clarified on November 14, 2024, that the rice in question had been certified as safe for consumption by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA). The Ministry explained that Lamens Ventures, which was contracted by NAFCO, had imported the rice with an initial expiry date of December 2023. However, by the end of the year, some of the rice had not been distributed to schools.
Following the advice of the FDA, Lamens Ventures re-tested the rice in India, its country of origin, to assess its usability. After the tests, the FDA confirmed that the rice was still safe for consumption and granted an extension of its “Best Before” date to April 30, 2024.
Kwasi Kwarteng, a spokesperson for the Ministry, emphasized that all rice distributed to schools in February 2024 had been certified as wholesome by the FDA. Additionally, Lamens Ventures sought and received FDA approval to re-bag the remaining rice with updated labels reflecting the new expiry date.
The FDA has reiterated that the rice met all safety standards and posed no health risks. Despite this, Mr. Ablakwa maintains that the rice was expired and unfit for students, rejecting the FDA’s findings.
In light of the concerns, the Ministry has launched an investigation to ensure transparency and address public concerns over the matter.
Reporting By Jonathan Ofori, Asaase Newsroom
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