Rotten Rice Scandal in Bulawayo Sparks Food Safety Outrage

Flynote Investments, that allegedly repackaged water-damaged stock feed as human food (Image Source)

A major food safety scandal has erupted in Bulawayo after Flynote Investments, trading under the Evergold brand, was caught allegedly repackaging water-damaged rice originally intended for animal feed into human food. The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) Health Services Department seized 322 tonnes of the suspect rice after a whistleblower tip-off, sending shockwaves through communities and reigniting debate over Zimbabwe’s fragile food safety systems.

According to a confidential BCC inspection report, the rice had been stored in bulk for stock feed but was then repackaged for sale to consumers in unsanitary conditions.

“Water-damaged bulk rice for stock feed was being packaged and sold for human consumption,” the report noted. “The rice was being packaged in a stock feed factory with extremely poor hygienic conditions.”

The facility reportedly lacked basic food-grade standards, exposing the rice to mould, bacterial growth, and chemical residue contamination. Samples have been dispatched to the Government Analyst Laboratory for testing, with results expected to reveal the full scale of consumer exposure.

Health Risks and Expert Warnings

Medical professionals have sounded the alarm.

“This is a textbook case of food fraud,” said Dr. Edwin Mzingwane, Director of Health Services for Bulawayo. “The public must be protected from unscrupulous operators who prioritize profit over safety.”

Food safety specialist Dr. Tafadzwa Moyo added that contaminated rice could spark outbreaks of foodborne illnesses and even cause long-term health complications if consumed widely.

Public Outrage and Loss of Trust

News of the scandal has triggered outrage across Bulawayo.

“We trusted that food sold in stores was safe,” said Nomalanga Sibanda, a mother of three from Thorngrove. “Now we’re afraid to buy anything.”

Consumer advocacy groups argue that the case highlights serious gaps in Zimbabwe’s food inspection and enforcement systems. They are calling for:

• Harsher penalties for food fraud offenders

• Stronger supply chain monitoring

• Enhanced whistleblower protections
  

Calls for Reform

Experts warn the scandal could have lasting consequences if regulators fail to act swiftly.

“This case undermines consumer confidence and exposes the gaps in inspection,” Dr. Moyo said. “We need urgent reforms to align with global standards.”

Analysts stress that the Ministry of Health and Child Care, together with the Food Standards Advisory Board, must restore consumer trust or risk damaging Zimbabwe’s already fragile domestic food industry.

As investigations continue, retailers have been urged to verify their supply chains, while authorities weigh possible criminal charges against Flynote Investments.

For many Zimbabweans, the scandal is already a sobering reminder of the high stakes of food safety in a struggling economy.