Consignment of imported rice banned in Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI — The Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA) has banned the entry of a consignment of imported rice into the country. The rice, which is currently stored at Port Zayed, was tested and declared unfit for human consumption.

"The Abu Dhabi Customs Authority had requested a laboratory test of some samples of rice currently stored at Port Zayed by an importer," said Mohammad Galal Al Rayaysa, ADFCA's Director of Media and Public Relations.

"The examination of rice samples at the ADFCA labs confirmed that the rice was not fit for human consumption," said Al Rayaysa. He added that it was not even fit to be fed to animals.

Meanwhile, tracing the history of the rice consignment, an Abu Dhabi Customs source said around 22,000 metric tonnes of long-grain rice was initially procured from Vietnam and brought into Abu Dhabi as transit cargo on July 9 last year, after being disallowed entry by Iraqi authorities following serious quality concerns.

Since then, the importers, who brought the consignment into Abu Dhabi, had exported large quantities to Yemen, Djibouti and other countries. However, this particular rice stock has not been allowed into the UAE by ADFCA..

Source : http://www.khaleejtimes.com

NutraCea announces partnership with China's Bright Food to build rice bran refinery

NutraCea Inc., a Phoenix developer of rice bran products, has entered into an agreement with a Chinese company to build a major rice bran oil refinery.

The partnership was finalized at a ceremony held via videoconference Wednesday.

Bright Food Group, a Chinese food conglomerate, along with a strategic adviser, will contribute 20 percent of the capital and receive 28 percent of the profits, while NutraCea (OTCBB:NTRZ) will provide 80 percent of the capital and receive 72 percent of ownership and profits.

Brad Edson, president and CEO of NutraCea, said his company has been in development talks with the Chinese government for years, and with rising global food prices and shortages, the agreement comes at a perfect time.

"The beautiful thing is that our raw ingredient cost will remain unchanged," Edson said. "This will help mitigate inflation issues and feed more people without increasing the cost."

Once it is completed in 2010, the refinery, which will be located northeast of Shanghai, will process 500,000 metric tons of raw rice bran a year. The bran will in turn produce rice bran oil, defatted rice bran and stabilized rice bran, which are used in various food products.

The plant will have the capacity to produce in excess of $200 million in annual revenue and is being billed as the largest such facility in the world.

Edson said new technology used at the plant will reduce production costs while increasing output and the nutritional profile of the food. He added that the plant could quadruple the company's production capability.

He said the plant likely will be "one in a series" of similar plants that the company builds over the next few years.

Cao Shumin, Bright Food Group's president, said in a release that he thinks the venture will be beneficial for both companies.

"We believe our mutual business goals are in complete alignment with Bright's vision to provide healthier and high quality food to the public," Shumin said.

Edson said the majority of the product created at the plant will stay in China.

NutraCea has facilities in several U.S. states, as well as Brazil and Indonesia.

Source : http://www.bizjournals.com