Gov't probe concludes no fake rice in Davao

The special inter-agency investigation task group created to look into the supposed sale of fake rice in Davao City has effectively put the issue to rest.

In a case conference held Tuesday, the task group said no synthetic rice was found during a random inspection in retailers and warehouses in Davao City, according to a report on 24 Oras on Tuesday.,



The contaminated rice found in Davao City could have only been a result of mishandling, according to the task group.

The contaminated rice was packed in a plastic bag, kept in the refrigerator for about two days and poured with hot water before it was consumed, said Sr. Supt. Aaron Aquino, head of the task group.,

"Sinimulate natin, inapproximate natin including iyong material na ginamit niya pati iyon bigas na ginamit niya at bukas isa-submit natin sa Ateneo for lab test," said Criminal Investigation and Detection Group chief Benjamin Magalong.

The contaminated rice tested positive for dibutyl phthalate, a chemical used in making plastics. But the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agriculture said there was no conclusive evidence that rice was indeed fake. — DVM, GMA News