Aflatoxin Detected in 135 Tonnes of Indian Rice Stored in Bangladesh

On 24 October 2026 in Bangladesh, authorities found aflatoxin contamination in 135 tonnes of rice imported from India and stored at the Halishahar Central Storage Depot in Chattogram.

The rice arrived on the vessel MV HT Pioneer, which reached the outer anchorage of Chattogram Port on 21 July 2026. Initial inspections declared the shipment fit for consumption. It was unloaded on 24 and 25 July and later sent to government warehouses in Tejgaon, Halishahar, Dewanhat and Joydebpur.

After the rice reached the storage facilities, officials raised concerns about its quality. On 17 August a team led by Dr Sharifa Sultana Dipti from the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute collected samples. Laboratory tests later confirmed aflatoxin in the 135 tonnes held at Halishahar.

Depot manager Iqbal Mahmud confirmed the finding. The Directorate General of Food suspended distribution of around 9,500 tonnes of rice pending further quality checks. A committee has been formed for additional investigation.

Aflatoxin is a toxic substance produced by certain fungi that grow on food crops under poor storage conditions. Long-term exposure can damage the liver and raise the risk of liver cancer.

Earlier Detections in Indian Rice Exports

This is not the first time aflatoxin has been detected in Indian rice shipments. In March 2025, India’s Minister of State for Commerce and Industry informed Parliament that a few consignments of rice exported to the European Union had been found contaminated with aflatoxin. No such detections were reported from Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh in the previous five years.

Concern for Vulnerable Communities

Rice is a staple food for millions in Bangladesh, including more than one million Rohingya refugees living in Cox’s Bazar camps. These communities rely heavily on food assistance. Any contaminated grain entering the public distribution or aid system could pose serious health risks to already vulnerable groups, especially children and people with limited access to medical care.