Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The National Food Authority (NFA) said there is no fake rice in the country.
In a press briefing on Thursday (August 6), the NFA said scientific tests proved that the rice sample from an eatery in Davao contained starch similar to rice, but was contaminated by dibutyl phthalate — a common plasticizer.
Officials said that the contamination could have been a result of food mishandling.
The NFA added that this could happen when hot food items are placed in plastic containers as the heat could melt the plastic substance and contaminate the food.
“‘Pag po mainit maaari pong may tendency na tumiwalag yung compound na yun doon sa mismong mother material niya,” said Food Development Center OIC Dir. Jocelyn Sales.
“So para maging ligtas tayo, iwasan natin maglagay ng mainit na pagkain sa plastic materials.”
