(JUBA) – The South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS) has destroyed 866 bags of substandard rice at Rajaf Payam in Juba County, Central Equatoria State. The rice, each bag weighing 25 kilogrammes, was declared unfit for human consumption after failing to meet national quality standards at the Nimule Border Station.
The dumping exercise, conducted on 25 October 2025, was led by SSNBS Quality Assurance officers in coordination with local security personnel and Rajaf Payam authorities. The team supervised the disposal at the designated dumping site in Rajaf, ensuring that the rejected rice would not re-enter the local market.
According to SSNBS officials, the destroyed rice originated from an imported consignment intercepted at the Nimule Border, the main entry point for goods entering South Sudan from neighbouring Uganda. Laboratory analysis and field inspections confirmed that the rice failed to meet the required standards on moisture content, grain texture, and packaging integrity.
Officials said the action is part of SSNBS’s ongoing campaign to safeguard public health and strengthen consumer confidence by preventing unsafe or counterfeit goods from circulating in the country. The Bureau reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing regulations and ensuring that all imported and locally produced food items meet approved safety and quality benchmarks.
The Bureau also appealed to traders to comply with quality control regulations and to ensure that goods imported into South Sudan are certified and properly documented. Businesses were further reminded that attempts to distribute or conceal rejected products would attract heavy penalties under existing consumer protection laws.
According to the Standards Authority, the disposal exercise highlights the growing role of SSNBS in consumer protection and trade regulation as South Sudan continues to tighten market supervision standards.
The SSNBS said it will continue to collaborate with local authorities and border stations to monitor and intercept substandard products before they reach consumers. The Bureau emphasised that ensuring food safety and consumer protection is key to strengthening market confidence and supporting national economic growth.
Bureau Destroys 866 Bags of Substandard Rice in Juba
| Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | Rajaf Payam, Juba County, Central Equatoria State |
| Date of Operation | 25 October 2025 |
| Conducted By | South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS), Security Agencies, and Rajaf Payam Authorities |
| Type of Goods Dumped | Substandard Rice |
| Quantity | 866 bags |
| Weight per Bag | 25 kg |
| Total Weight | 21,650 kg |
| Estimated Market Value | 15,971,500 SSP (≈ 2,250 USD) |
| Origin of Consignment | SSNBS Nimule Border Station |
| Reason for Disposal | Failed to meet required national quality standards |
| Objective of Exercise | To protect consumers and maintain product safety in South Sudanese markets |
| Supervising Body | South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS) |
| Outcome | Successful disposal of unsafe goods, reinforcing national quality enforcement measures |