No harmful levels of aflatoxin or other substances posing risks to human health have been detected in a shipment of parboiled rice imported from India.Separate laboratory tests conducted in Bangladesh and India have confirmed that the rice meets safety standards.Tests Confirm Safety of 10,878 Tonnes of Rice Arriving at Chattogram Port. Separately Sorted 135 Tonnes Also Deemed Fit for Consumption.
The entire consignment has subsequently been cleared and stored in the warehouses of the Directorate General of Food.
Recently,the vessel MV HT Pioneer, carrying 10,878 tonnes of parboiled rice from Kolkata Port in India,arrived at Chattogram Port. In accordance with established procedures,the Directorate General of Food collected samples from the shipment and conducted tests at its own laboratory. Following the tests, permission was granted for the clearance of the rice.However, during the unloading process, concerns were raised regarding the colour and grain quality of rice found in some sacks. Subsequently, following instructions from the Directorate General of Food, 135 tonnes of rice were separately sorted and unloaded.To verify the quality, samples from this portion were sent to the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) and to India for further laboratory testing.
Officials of the Directorate General of Food confirmed that laboratory tests conducted in both countries found no harmful levels of aflatoxin in the rice. Consequently,the separately sorted 135 tonnes were also deemed safe and fit for consumption.The rice is currently being stored in the warehouses of the Directorate General of Food. Commenting on the matter, Mohammad Ali Akbar Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Seven Seas Shipping Lines, the local agent of the rice supplier, said that their Indian supplier has been engaged in international trade with a strong reputation for nearly three and a half decades. He added that they have always extended full cooperation with any lawful and scientifically conducted tests undertaken by the Bangladesh government to ensure food safety.
He further stated that they are confident that the imported rice contains no substances harmful to human health. According to him, the concerns raised over the quality of the rice have now been addressed through scientific laboratory testing.
