Palace cautions public against 'fake rice'

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang advised the public to be vigilant in buying rice as "fake rice" was reported to have reached Davao City.

 

In an interview with dzRB, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said that consumers must purchase rice from authorized rice dealers to assure it is genuine.

 

"Nananawagan po tayo sa mga mamamayan na maging maingat at bumili lamang ng bigas mula sa mga accredited at reliable na nagbebenta nito, ‘yun po talagang authorized rice dealers o mga tindahan ng bigas na mayroong pahintulot ng NFA (National Food Authority) at sa mga awtoridad," said Coloma in the radio interview.

 

President Benigno Aquino III instructed Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization Secretary Francis Pangilinan to look into the alleged fake rice.

 

"Ang NFA, sa pamamagitan ng kanilang Food Development Center, ay nagsasagawa ng mga laboratory test ng mga sample na naisumite po sa kanila at ipapalabas po nila ang resulta nito sa lalong madaling panahon," said Coloma.

 

To further investigate regarding the matter, Coloma said the president also ordered Interior Secretary Manuel "Mar" Roxas and Justice Secretary Leila de Lima to trace where the fake or synthetic rice originated.

 

Reports said the fake rice were manufactured in China and are being distributed to countries in Asia. There were consumers who reportedly complained that they bought the synthetic rice made of sweet potatoes and poisonous substance in Davao City.