The Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (Rwanda FDA) has reassured the public about the safety of rice imported from Pakistan currently available on the Rwandan market. This follows concerns raised by recent reports in Kenyan media about aflatoxin contamination in rice imports from Pakistan.
According to the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), the reported aflatoxin contamination was linked to rice imported in June 2022, which had deteriorated during storage and was subsequently seized for disposal.
In response, the Rwanda FDA conducted extensive precautionary sampling and testing of rice imported from Pakistan into Rwanda between July and November 2024. Laboratory results confirmed that aflatoxin levels in the sampled rice were well below the maximum permissible limit of 10 parts per billion (ppb) as outlined in the EAS 128: RS EAS 128: 2023 – Milled Rice Specification.
The Rwanda FDA emphasized that rice from Pakistan available in Rwanda is safe for human consumption and meets all necessary health and safety standards.
The authority reaffirmed its commitment to public health protection through stringent inspections at points of entry and continuous post-marketing surveillance to ensure the quality and safety of food products available in the country.
For further information, the public is encouraged to contact Rwanda FDA through their official website (rwandafda.gov.rw) or their toll-free number, 9707.