(JUBA) – Authorities in South Sudan have destroyed hundreds of bags of rice deemed unfit for consumption after failing to meet national quality standards.
The exercise was carried out on 25 October 2025 by the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS) in coordination with local officials and security personnel at Rajaf Payam in Juba County in Central Equatoria State.
According to SSNBS officials, 866 bags of rice, each weighing 25 kilograms, were dumped at the Rajaf disposal site after being seized at the Nimule border entry point. The consignment was rejected following laboratory tests that confirmed the rice did not meet the required safety and quality benchmarks set by the Bureau.
The SSNBS said the operation was part of ongoing national efforts to safeguard consumers from unsafe goods and to promote fair trade in the country. The Bureau added that substandard products, especially food items, pose serious health risks to citizens and undermine confidence in the market.
Local authorities in Rajaf Payam commended the Bureau’s action, noting that unregulated imports have become a growing concern for consumers. They called for stronger inspection measures at border points and more frequent market surveillance in Juba and surrounding areas.
The Bureau reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining high standards across all imported goods entering South Sudan, stressing that public safety remains a top priority.
A senior SSNBS Quality Assurance Officer said the agency will continue working closely with border authorities to block counterfeit and expired goods before they reach the market.
He added that the cooperation of importers, traders, and the public is essential in promoting a safe business environment.
Below is a summary of the inspection results:
Contaminated Rice Disposed of in Central Equatoria
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of Operation | 25 October 2025 |
| Location | Rajaf Payam, Juba County, Central Equatoria |
| Quantity Destroyed | 866 bags |
| Weight per Bag | 25 kg |
| Total Weight | 21,650 kg |
| Source | Referred from Nimule Border Station |
| Reason for Disposal | Failed quality and safety standards |
| Supervising Body | South Sudan National Bureau of Standards |
The SSNBS urged importers to comply with national quality requirements and warned that any goods found below acceptable standards will be confiscated and destroyed.
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