National Food Authority personnel conducted surprise inspections at three major public markets in Bacolod City yesterday morning following reports of the entry of fake rice in Davao City.

NFA provincial manager Procopio Trabajo II, who led the inspections, said they did not find any synthetic rice being sold at different commercial rice outlets at the Burgos Public Market, Libertad Market and Central Market.

Trabajo maintained that it is impossible for fake rice to enter Negros Occidental, including Bacolod City, since it had already been intercepted in Mindanao.

Nevertheless, Trabajo said he is urging dealers or consumers to report the presence of any suspicious fake rice and to take samples for verification.

The results of laboratory analysis on the suspected artificial rice seized in Davao is still being awaited, Trabajo said.

Those caught selling fake rice may face criminal charges and cancellation of licenses since the product is hazardous and can cause death, Trabajo stressed.

Meanwhile, Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. said yesterday that residents need to be vigilant and report to authorities any suspected synthetic rice. He also said it is the job of Customs to prevent this product from entering the country.*SGG

Procopio Trabajo II, National Food Authority Negros manager, inspects the rice at the Libertad Market.*

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