Fake rice discovered by Lamitan councilor

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - A city councilor was shocked after discovering fake rice served right before their eyes in Lamitan City, Basilan province.

Councilor Noel Daring Baul said the plastic rice mixed with whole grains was found Monday during lunch in their house.

Baul said his children who came from school have already consumed the fake rice.

“My children perhaps, they were already hungry after coming from school (and) did not notice since the rice was still hot when they consume(d) it,” Baul said.

He said his cousin observed that the rice served was a bit harder to chew and swallow.

According to Baul, his security personnel who knew about fake rice incidents, called his attention upon discovery that the staple rice was mixed with plastic.

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

Baul said his children have not complained so far of any adverse effect from eating the rice.

Based on the initial examination, a kilo or two of the plastic rice was mixed with natural grains, making it difficult to distinguish.

Baul said that they bought the rice from a nearby rice retailer, which appeared to be the same as the smuggled rice purchased from Maluso town.

The National Food Authority (NFA) already took samples of the fake rice while the rest were kept by Baul for deliberation in their council session on Wednesday.

The NFA also suspended the sale of two brands of rice in the province while investigation is ongoing.