Government eyes packaging of rice sold in markets

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) is considering packaging rice sold in the market to ensure food safety and protection of consumers.

“In the context of ensuring food safety we are even looking at implementing in the future a system where rice should not be opened in open boxes in stalls. It is not hygienic,” Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said in an interview.

Piñol said the packed rice would be sold on a per kilogram basis ranging  from one to five 5 kgs.

“By packaging rice, we will also be able to trace the miller of the rice in case food safety issues arise,” Piñol said..

The packaging of rice will also protect consumers from sellers who do not weigh their commodities accurately.

“We will do this by phase, but we will implement this even without the NFA (National Food Authority).  Under the food safety law, the DA can already do this, “ Piñol said.

Piñol said the implementation of the suggested retail price (SRP) for rice would take place next week.

“The SRP for regular milled rice should be lower than P40 [P38 to P39], well-milled P40 to P42,” Piñol said.

He added the SRP for fish, particularly tilapia, bangus and galunggong, will also be announced next week.

Under the anti profiteering law,  violators face a fine  of P1,000 to as much as P1 million for each violation committed.