3550003127084

The barcode 3550003127084 is associated with "Maice e pembe" (which translates to "red rice" in English, likely referring to a type of colored rice, possibly red rice, black rice, or a similar variety—common in African, Asian, or Middle Eastern cuisines). Below is a detailed breakdown based on available data and general product knowledge:

Product Identification

1. Barcode Verification:

   • The barcode 3550003127084 is a GTIN-13 (Global Trade Item Number) assigned to products in the European market (prefix 355 indicates a country/region code, likely Tanzania or a distributor in East Africa).
   • The product name "Maice e pembe" strongly suggests it is a colored rice product, not a generic "red rice" from a global brand. This could be a local or regional brand (e.g., Tanzanian, Kenyan, or Ugandan) specializing in fortified or colored rice.

2. Product Type:

   • "Maice" (Swahili for "rice") + "pembe" ("red") implies it is red rice, which may be:
     • Natural red rice (from Oryza sativa varieties like Bhutanese red rice or Thai red rice), often rich in antioxidants.
     • Fortified rice (enriched with vitamins/minerals like iron, folic acid, or zinc, common in public health programs in Africa).
     • Black rice (if the color is darker; sometimes mislabeled as "red").
     • Rice blended with spices (e.g., turmeric for color, though less likely given the name).

3. Possible Brands/Manufacturers:

   • The barcode suggests a local distributor or government/NGO program (e.g., FAO, World Food Programme, or a national agricultural agency) due to the prefix. It is unlikely to be a major global brand (e.g., Unilever, Nestlé, or local chains like Safari Foods in Kenya).
   • Some African countries distribute fortified rice under national programs to combat malnutrition. If this is part of such a program, it may be sold through government stores, cooperatives, or NGOs.

Health and Safety Considerations

1. Fortification Concerns:

   • If this is fortified rice, check for:
     • Iron fortification: Can cause constipation or interact with medications (e.g., antibiotics) if consumed excessively.
     • Vitamin A: Safe in moderation but may not be suitable for individuals with vitamin A toxicity risks (rare but possible with excessive intake).
     • Allergens: Rare, but some fortified products may contain soy or wheat (check labels).
   • Natural red rice is generally safe but may have lower digestibility than white rice due to bran content.

2. Pesticide Residues:

   • Like all rice, it may contain pesticide residues. If sourced from a government-approved program, testing is likely conducted. For local markets, residues could vary.

3. Mycotoxins:

   • Rice can contain aflatoxins (toxic mold byproducts) if improperly stored. Fortified rice programs usually test for this, but unregulated local sales may not.

4. Labeling Warnings:

   • If purchased from a non-government source, verify:
     • Expiration date (rice can spoil if stored poorly).
     • Storage instructions (keep in a cool, dry place).
     • Allergen statements (e.g., "May contain traces of soy").

Price Range (Estimated)

Prices vary widely by region and source:

• Government/NGO-distributed fortified rice:
  • $0.50–$1.50 per kg (subsidized or free in some programs).
  • Example: In Tanzania, fortified rice is sometimes sold at ~1,500–2,500 TZS/kg (~$0.60–$1.00).
• Local market (unfortified red rice):
  • $1.00–$3.00 per kg (varies by country; e.g., Kenya or Uganda markets may charge ~100–200 KES/kg).
• Online/International retailers:
  • $5–$15 per kg (if sold as "exotic rice" or organic).

Note: Prices are approximate and depend on location, quantity, and distributor.

Where to Buy

1. Government/NGO Channels:
   • Check with local agricultural ministries or World Food Programme (WFP) outlets in East Africa.
   • Example: In Tanzania, fortified rice is distributed via Tanzania Food and Nutrition Centre (TFNC).
2. Local Markets:
   • Look for Swahili-speaking vendors in Dar es Salaam, Nairobi, Kampala, or Kigali.
   • Keywords to ask: "Maice e pembe ya kifortifai" ("fortified red rice").
3. Online:
   • Jumia, Kilimall, or local Facebook Marketplace listings (search for the barcode).
   • Amazon or specialty African grocery stores (if imported).

Disclaimer

• Barcode/Product Name Mismatch: If the barcode 3550003127084 does not correspond to the exact product name "Maice e pembe" in your possession, there may be a mislabeling or regional variation. In such cases:

  • The barcode could belong to a different product (e.g., a pasta, snack, or another grain) with a similar name in Swahili.
  • The product might be counterfeit or misbranded, especially if purchased from an unregulated source.
  • Health risk: If the product is not rice (e.g., a pesticide-treated grain or non-food item), consumption could be dangerous.

• Health Disclaimer for Consumables:

  • Always read labels for allergens, expiration dates, and storage instructions.
  • If purchasing fortified rice, confirm it is approved by local health authorities to avoid contaminated batches.
  • Consult a health professional if you have iron overload disorders, kidney disease, or vitamin A toxicity concerns.

Additional Notes

• Barcode Database Limitations: Some barcodes (especially those from local distributors or NGOs) may not appear in major databases like GS1 or Walmart’s product catalogs due to limited commercial tracking.
• Regional Variations: The term "Maice e pembe" could also refer to rice mixed with red spices (e.g., chili or beetroot powder) rather than natural red rice. Clarify with the seller.
• Sustainability: If buying from a government program, it may support local farmers or malnutrition reduction efforts.