INITIAL tests by authorities on the alleged fake rice sample in Davao City showed the presence of a contaminant, the National Food Authority (NFA) said on Friday.
However, NFA Administrator Renan Dalisay said results are “not yet conclusive” if the rice sample found is, indeed, fake.
Test results of the rice sample—provided by concerned Davao residents to the NFA—showed the presence of dibutyl phthalate, a chemical compound commonly used as a binder, such as in food packaging, the Food Development Center (FDC) said.
NFA Spokesman Angel Imperial Jr. said there have been about 20 reports of alleged fake rice, but the rice sample from Davao is the first to show signs of contamination.
“We cannot completely say that it is fake rice but, based on the findings, we can say that it is not in its original form, as compared to the rice provided by the NFA,” Imperial told the BusinessMirror in a phone interview.
Scientists from the FDC will perform additional tests to determine the chemical composition of the sample, he added.
“The samples are also being tested for heavy metals—cadmium, lead and mercury—to determine toxicity,” the NFA said.
According to Health Undersecretary Kenneth Hartigan-Go, ingestion of the alleged fake rice from Davao may cause harm if ingested daily for at least three months. This is because the contaminant is a nonfood-grade substance.
Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization Francis Pangilinan has said he has notified President Aquino of the findings.
He added that the agency is coordinating with the police, the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Department of Justice in tracing the source of the contaminated rice.
“There is no reason to be alarmed, but there is reason to be vigilant,” Pangilinan said in a statement.
Imperial said should the rice be proven to be imported, the agency will also tap the Bureau of Customs to investigate how the rice entered the country.
The NFA Regional Office in Davao City said in its report that a certain Carmencita Grinio complained to the local media on Friday, saying that the texture of rice brought from Ciudad Esperanza Canteen was similar to that of Styrofoam, a trademarked brand by The Dow Chemical Co. mainly used for packaging and insulation.
Ciudad Esperanza denied it sold fake rice.
The NFA started its daily inspection in public markets nationwide on Monday.
“Let’s be more vigilant on the rice that we buy and cook,” Imperial said.
Consumers are advised to buy their rice from trusted retailers or retailers licensed by the NFA. Imperial said buyers should also inspect the rice’s smell and appearance before buying them.
“We are encouraging people who have doubts and complaints to come out in the open. Send to [NFA] uncooked samples of the rice so we can test it,” Imperial said in an earlier interview.