By By: Staff Writer
MONROVIA, Liberia — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has ordered the temporary closure of Royal Dad Enterprise following allegations that the business sold spoiled rice to a customer in Monrovia, sparking concerns over food safety and consumer protection.
The decision comes after a report by Spoon Network highlighted a complaint from a customer who claimed the rice she purchased from the store was unwholesome and unfit for consumption.
Madam Jamesatta Gbartea, the complainant, said she bought a bag of rice from the business for US$85, but discovered the product had gone bad when she attempted to cook it.
“I bought the rice for eighty-five United States dollars, but when I cooked it, I noticed that the rice was rotten. I went back and asked for a refund or a replacement, but the owner refused,” Madam Gbartea alleged.
According to authorities, officials from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry swiftly visited the premises after the complaint surfaced and ordered the business temporarily shut down while a full investigation is conducted.
The Ministry says the move is intended to protect consumers and ensure that businesses operating in Liberia comply with regulations governing the sale of food and other consumable goods.
Investigators are expected to begin a formal probe into the matter starting Tuesday to determine whether Royal Dad Enterprise violated national commerce and public health standards.
As of press time, the management of Royal Dad Enterprise had not issued any public response to the allegations.
