Expert on insects explains why she won’t eat bukbok-laden rice

Is it safe to eat rice with bukbok (weevils)?

In an episode of Joseph Morong's Fact or Fake, an entomologist said weevils found in rice were "by themselves" safe.

However, Josine Macaspac, who studies insects like weevils or beetles, said bukbok in rice if left unchecked could cause moisture, which in turn causes molds to develop.

“By themselves, 'di sila delikado. Pero pag dumami sila, isipin mo sa isang container, hundreds of thousands, sabay sabay sila hihinga, magiging mataas ang moisture, dun na magkakaroon ng amag," Macaspac said.

"Dun na puedeng mapanis agad. 'Yun ang magiging problema,” she added.

Macaspac also said bukbok which feeds on rice also excretes waste on the grains.

“Habang kumankain sila, tumatae rin sila. Mukha siyang powdery, iyong 'yung mapapansin mo 'yung bigas mo nagiging something powdery," Macaspac said.

"Kung kaunti lang [''yung powdery], hugasan mo,pero kung marami na, iba na ang amoy, iba na ang texture, iba na ang kulay, best judgment, 'wag mo na gamitin,” she added.

Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol earlier ate a rice erstwhile infested with weevils which were fumigated to prove that it is safe to eat.

The rice eaten by Piñol is part of the 100,000 sacks of rice from Thailand which turned out to be infested with weevils.

But even after Piñol's show and her expertise, Macaspac said she would pass on eating the fumigated rice erstwhile infested with weevils.

“I know it is safe for the most part, but the reason why i won't eat it is dapat wala sila roon,” Macaspac said.

“Kung tama ang quarantine, tama ang inspection sa port of entry, dun pa lang maiistop na kung may peste sa inimport na product. Di na dapat umaabot sa market,” she added.

Macaspac also shared tips on how households can prevent weevils from infesting rice such as: storing rice in an airtight, dry and clean containers; putting aromatics such as bay leaf and cloves; freezing the rice at early signs of weevils since cold temparature freezes them whether it is an egg or adult and shaking the rice container since the weevils will emerge on top. —Llanesca Panti/NB, GMA News