Aquino orders DOJ to probe entry of fake rice from China

The Department of Justice (DOJ) will investigate the entry of fake rice from China upon the orders of President Benigno Aquino III.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima on Friday said she would create a task force to conduct the investigation.

“I’ve been directed by the President to look into that. I will constitute a task force to investigate that,” De Lima said in a text message to reporters on Friday.

She said she would coordinate with Presidential Assistant on Food Security and Agricultural Modernization Kiko Pangilinan in conducting the investigation.

Aside from that, De Lima said she would also ask the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and probably the Philippine National Police (PNP) to help in the probe.

Davao City resident Carmencita Grinio said she brought a sample of the fake rice to the National Food Authority (NFA) after the cooked product reportedly had the appearance of styropor, a synthetic packaging material.

Fake rice is reportedly made from potatoes, sweet potatoes, plastic, and materials found in pipes and cables. Its sale had been reported in countries like China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam.

Initial government findings showed that the fake rice contained a “contaminant.” The NFA submitted samples to the Food Development Center for further testing.

The NFA has reminded the public to distinguish between genuine and fake rice. One tip: Cooked real rice gets sticky when pressed between the fingers, while fake rice crumbles.

The NFA said reports on suspicious rice sold in the market could be relayed through NFA hotline 09064363133.