Councilor discovers fake rice in Basilan

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — A city councilor was shocked after finding fake rice on their dining table in Lamitan City, Basilan.

Councilor Noel Daring Baul said his bodyguard discovered the plastic rice mixed with whole grain while they were having lunch on Monday in their house.

Baul said his children, who arrived from school and had lunch early, had consumed the fake rice.

“My children, perhaps they were already hungry after coming from school, did not notice the rice that was still hot when they consumed it,” Baul said.

He said his cousin also ate the same rice and noticed that the cooked staple was a bit harder and they had difficulty swallowing it.

According to Baul, his bodyguard was aware of the recent reports of alleged fake rice in Davao City, and immediately alerted him when he noticed the plastic grains mixed with the genuine rice.

“It was really grains of plastic and some melted and mixed with the natural boiled rice,” Baul said.

Baul said his children have so far not complained of any adverse effect.

Baul said based on examination and analysis, it appeared that a kilo or two of plastic rice mixed with natural grain could not be easily detected.