“It’s a hoax. There is no plastic rice in The Gambia.”

These were the words of Dr Zainab Jallow, managing director of the Food Safety and Quality Authority. She was responding to concerns and swirling allegations about plastic rice being sold in Gambian markets.

“I can assure you that the rice we have in our markets is safe to eat,” she said during a telephone interview with What’s On-Gambia.

“We went around different markets to take samples. There is no evidence of any contamination of plastic.”

Dr Jallow revealed that that her office has inspectors that regularly examine the food products entering the country.

“We do our best, but some people can be scrupulous. This is where we need the public to support us. As a consumer, you have the right to ask questions about what you buy in the market.”

The Food Safety and Quality Authourity was established by the Food Safety and Quality Act, 2011 under the Office of The President. It is the sole National Competent Authority with powers of delegation mandated to officially control the safety and quality of all foods (including water and beverages) and animal feed whether locally produced, imported or destined for export.

For more information visit their website: http://www.fsqa.gm/