Bad Rice infects Cameroonian markets: Housewives exercise caution with selection

By Synthia Lateu

Housewives are exercising caution as reports of questionable-quality rice have surfaced in markets recently. Consumption habits are adjusting in response to these concerns.
The SANA brand, which features 25% Thai rice, has been ordered to be withdrawn from the market. On November 29, the Minister of Trade, Luc Magloire, issued a letter to governors, SDOs, and DOs across all ten regions, urging the officials to identify and report its distributors involved in “clandestine and suspicious operations” to repackage rice.
The decision came after a huge stock of bags of this rice was discovered in a warehouse in Bomono, located on the outskirts of Douala, and was ready for distribution across the country. The latest consignment was reportedly headed to Bafoussam in the West Region before a raid occurred.
In the economic capital, Douala, some rice retailers claim they were unaware of the issue until it went viral on social media. While awaiting local solutions to ensure quality, rice retailer Célestine, has opted only to sell recognised brands to avoid counterfeit products.
Consumers are now more cautious before making purchases, considering various criteria to ensure product quality. Alice, aware of the counterfeiting issues surrounding this essential product, finds it difficult to distinguish fake rice from genuine quality with the naked eye. She confided that she only realizes the quality once it’s in the pot.
Some housewives believe that a higher price indicates better quality rice.
Rice vendors lament that locally produced rice is too expensive for the average Cameroonian. “I had stocks of locally produced rice in store, but it stayed here for too long. Consumers complained about the prices and didn’t buy. I ended up throwing them away after they went bad,” said a vendor at the Deido Market in Douala. He further urged the government to increase rice production and make prices more affordable.
Meanwhile, according to official sources, Cameroon aims to nearly triple its rice production in just four years, from 140,710 tons to 460,000 tons by 2027. This plan is part of the country’s Medium-Term Economic and Budgetary Framework for 2025-2027, prepared by the Ministry of Finance.