FDA must explain why expired rice was not destroyed – Osei-Mensah

Ashanti Regional Minister Simon Osei-Mensah has criticized the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) over its handling of the expired rice scandal affecting Senior High Schools (SHSs) in the region.

Osei-Mensah questioned why the FDA fined Lamens, the company accused of repackaging expired rice for distribution, instead of seizing and destroying the product.

The controversy arose after MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa alleged that 22,000 bags of expired rice were repackaged and distributed to schools under the Free SHS program.

Ablakwa provided evidence of the alleged repackaging, claiming the FDA’s GH₵100,000 fine on Lamens allowed continued distribution.

While the Ministry of Education defended the rice as safe, Osei-Mensah expressed doubts, announcing that the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) will conduct its own investigation into the matter.