The Media for Consumer Protection has revealed that it recently conducted an independent investigation at various warehouses of major rice importers at the Freeport of Monrovia following a social media information that one of the rice importers, United Commodities Incorporated (UCI), is allegedly involved in the re-bagging of dirty rice for supply on the Liberian market.
According to the Media for Consumer Protection’s investigation, there has been no re-bagging of dirty or contaminated rice in any of the warehouses of United Commodities Incorporated (UCI), Supplying West Africa Traders, Inc. (SWAT), Fouta Corporation, or Founi Brothers, contrary to the social media report.
The media advocacy group said during its investigation it paid a surprise and unannounced visit to the warehouses of the four major rice importers to authenticate, verify and confirm the allegation. “During the impromptu visit, the team of reporters from the Media for Consumer Protection were given easy access to UCI’s facilities and warehouse. They were also given the opportunity to take photographs of rice and every activities that are taking place within the warehouse,” the group said.
The Media for Consumer Protection said they established that the social media report against UCI is false, misleading and lacked any iota of truth.
“Contrary to the social media report of the re-bagging of dirty rice by UCI, the media advocacy group for consumer’s investigation discovered high quality and very clean varied kinds of rice, stockpiled in huge quantities, in UCI’s warehouse. Some of the customers who went to purchase rice at UCI warehouse at the Freeport of Monrovia told the Media for Consumer Protection that their sales have increased, and there is more consumer demand for the UCI’s rice because of the quality and taste,” the group revealed.
The media group investigation said it also established that the UCI’s warehouse has a large storage capacity and a well-organized stockpiling system, with proper ventilation and good hygienic condition.