The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has issued a public alert after the Niger Republic banned the importation of Bulmex Parboiled Rice from India over concerns of metallic contamination.
In Public Alert No. 034/2026 released on Thursday, NAFDAC said it was notified by the Niger Republic’s Ministry of Trade and Industry that the product was prohibited following an investigation by the Agadez Regional Directorate of Commerce and Industry.
“The investigation report confirmed that iron debris was found in the product, making it unsafe for consumption. As a precaution, the importation and distribution of the affected product have been prohibited,” the agency said.
NAFDAC said Bulmex rice is primarily known as a brand of Indian parboiled rice and Pakistani long-grain rice.
ALSO READ: NAFDAC blacklists Onifam Laboratories over regulatory violations
The agency listed the key suppliers of the product include: Karam Food Grains Private Limited, paragon commodities limited and imoro Brunya/Sulemana Imoro Distribution Company
NAFDAC said the product is claimed to be imported and marketed in Africa, particularly in Nigeria and the Republic of Niger.
NAFDAC said the availability of Bulmex parboiled rice in the Nigerian market, as claimed, has not yet been confirmed.
NAFDAC said it is issuing this alert to strengthen surveillance and prevent the possible circulation of the product through cross-border trade.
“Consumers are advised to report any suspicion of the sale of substandard, falsified, or counterfeit regulated products to the nearest NAFDAC office, call 0800-162-3322, or send an email to sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng,” it said.
