The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), US have seized of over $80,000.00 worth of basmati rice, imported from Pakistan at POF International, Inc. (POF) located in Irvington, NJ.

The seized basmati rice, which had been imported from Pakistan, is adulterated under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act because of insect contamination. Specifically, laboratory analysis of the rice revealed that it contained substantial numbers of weevils, beetles and insect larvae, which rendered it unfit for human consumption.

Prior to the seizure, the basmati rice had been placed under embargo by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services to ensure that the product was not distributed to consumers. FDA initiated the seizure after POF declined to destroy the rice or recondition it in appropriate manner.

The FDA has initiated this action to promote and protect the public health by enforcing the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.