Residents Collect Expired Rice from Dump Site After Government Destruction

Following the Ministry of Commerce's recent confiscation and destruction of 1,050 metric tons of unwholesome rice in Monrovia, citizens from Bernard's Farm, FDA, and Omega areas flocked to the dump site over the weekend to collect the expired rice for consumption.

Local residents were observed gathering 25 kg bags of rice, imported by Fouta Corporation, from the dump site. 

They transported the rice to their homes for processing and cooking, with plans to sell it in Redlight and other markets in Paynesville.

A nearby resident, Precious Victoria Daniel Smith, detailed the influx of expired goods such as rice, fish, chicken eggs, rotten beef, and other frozen items that are discarded at the site. Smith reported that these items are collected by citizens who either sell them or use them for personal consumption, despite the potential health risks.

Smith highlighted that expired goods, previously removed from markets and Freeport, are contributing to pollution and serious health concerns in the community. She mentioned a recent incident where a dump truck from the Paynesville City Corporation delivered a load of rotten fish, which was subsequently taken from the site by residents.

Residents of Paynesville Wein Town Precious Victoria Daniel Smith 

Smith urged the Liberian government to take immediate action to prevent citizens from scavenging expired items from the Wein Town dump site. "We are tired of seeing our community members collecting expired food and reselling it," she said. "For example, the rice is often used to prepare food that is sold cheaply, and expired chicken is washed and sold at markets. We urge the government to address this issue promptly.

"My brother, we are tired of seeing our people coming here to collect expired food and other consumables. What's worse is that they take these items to the Liberian market to sell. For instance, expired rice is taken to cook-bow sellers and sold for a low price. Similarly, expired chickens are washed, dried, and then sold at the market. We are pleading with the government to take action and stop this practice," she said.

Recently The Inspectory department of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry through its head Hon. D Dorr Cooper , confiscated and destroyed 1,050 metric tones of unwholesome rice in Monrovia over the weekend.

The 1,050 metric tones of unwholesome rice were discovered in the warehouse of the Founi brother company in Monrovia.  

Since the appointment of Hon. D Dorr Cooper as Commerce Inspector General there are several expired , dented and unwholesome products been confiscated in the commerce sector of the Country . 

Under his watch as IG of the Ministry , many businesses in violation have been fined and said fines have been paid in government revenue.  

The commerce Inspector General has assured the public of his commitment to clean those expired, dented and unwholesome products out of the Liberian market. 

He has announced a nationwide inspection across the fifteen Counties intended to inspect business registration documents and products in the market. 

The former Ganta City Mayor who is known as the brain behind the beautification of Ganta has cautioned business owners in the Country to do the needful something he said those found in violation will face the full weight of the law.

Residents Collect Expired Rice from Dump Site After Government Destruction