After Verity News investigated, uncovered, and reported the re-bagging of hundreds of bags of ‘rotten or contaminated rice’ to be sold on the Liberian Market, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has launched an investigation.
In its response to our report, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) says it has noted with utmost concern such a devastating situation, which poses health risks among citizens.
“We recognize the urgency of this matter and have launched a full investigation through our Inspectorate Division to examine these claims, particularly as they relate to certain importers and suppliers.”, a press release issued by the ministry stated.
The Ministry has instructed its inspection team to conduct rigorous checks to identify and remove compromised products.
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) reaffirms its commitment, indicating that all findings will be promptly and transparently shared upon investigation.
According to it, anyone responsible for distributing expired or contaminated goods will face the appropriate punitive measures in keeping with the law.
The press statement stated: “The MoCI is committed to enforcing the highest standards of consumer protection and safety. Protecting the health and welfare of the Liberian people is our foremost priority, and we are taking strong measures to enhance the capacity and effectiveness of our inspection and oversight regime. We are dedicated to holding importers, wholesalers, and retailers accountable, ensuring that only safe, high-quality products reach our citizens.”
MoCI is also asking Liberians to join in this effort by reporting expired or suspicious products on the market through designated hotlines.
Recently, this paper investigation unearthed alarming evidence from the central warehouses of two major rice importers, Fouani Brothers Corporation and K & K Trading Corporation, at the Freeport of Monrovia. Leaked videos and pictures revealed a shocking reality-hundreds of bags of ‘rotten and contaminated’ rice are being re-bagged for sale on the Liberian market. This urgent situation demands immediate attention and action.
These leaks, some of which Verity News has uploaded on its social media page and website, further expose the extent to which Liberian consumers remain vulnerable to contaminated rice and expired goods often stored, re-bagged, and sold allegedly by importers. This impacts the economy and poses a severe threat to the health of people in Liberia.
The latest report sheds light on the poor commerce inspectorate, as expired goods remain widespread in the Liberian market, according to previous reports. Rice is Liberia’s staple food.
Our source, who leaked the videos and pictures from the warehouses of these rice importers, claimed that rice importers usually bribe commerce inspectors and port security to disregard these gross violations while alleging that this is the habit of rice importers, including K & K Trading Corporation and Fouani Brothers Corporation.
