Shipping agent denies reports of aflatoxin in imported rice consignment

The Bangladesh-based shipping and logistics agent of an international rice supplier has clarified its position over recent media reports concerning a consignment of parboiled rice imported from India, claiming that reports of the entire shipment being rejected or the vessel being sent back were incorrect.

In an official statement, the agent said the rice was unloaded after completing the required government inspections and receiving approval from the relevant authorities.

According to the statement, the vessel MV HT Pioneer arrived at Chattogram Port on July 21, 2026, carrying 10,878 metric tonnes of parboiled rice from Kolkata Port in India.

Following established government procedures, the Department of Food collected samples from the vessel and conducted laboratory tests. The unloading process began after the department approved the consignment for acceptance.

However, during the subsequent receipt of rice at government warehouses, objections were raised over the colour of rice in some sacks and the quality of a few kernels.

The company claimed that none of the rice was rotten or spoiled. Following instructions from the Department of Food, the disputed rice was sorted and separated, after which the entire consignment was successfully unloaded. The vessel left Chattogram Port on August 10, 2026.

The statement further said that, as an additional precautionary measure, the Department of Food initiated further quality tests after the unloading was completed. Samples were sent to the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) for laboratory analysis.

At the same time, the supplier arranged for the same samples to be tested at a laboratory in India to ensure transparency.

According to the company, neither laboratory detected aflatoxin at levels harmful to human health in the rice samples.

It said reports claiming that aflatoxin had been detected in 135 metric tonnes of rice had created public concern and confusion. The company maintained that the rice stored in government warehouses met the required quality standards and specifications.

The concerned source also said the company had been operating in the international food supply market for around 35 years.

India remains a significant source of parboiled rice for Bangladesh’s government food programmes, as many other exporting countries are unable to regularly meet the country’s demand for the variety, the statement said.

The company expressed concern that the publication of exaggerated or incomplete information without proper verification could damage its business reputation and adversely affect Bangladesh’s future food imports, government procurement and supply arrangements.

The shipping and logistics agent urged media outlets to verify statements from all relevant parties, laboratory reports and other factual information before publishing reports on sensitive issues such as food security and international trade.

It also called for the actual sequence of events to be presented to dispel public confusion.