Iloilo City (CNN Philippines) — Amid rampant issues of fake rice in some parts of Davao City, the National Food Authority (NFA) guaranteed that there is no fake rice in the province of Iloilo.
“So far here in the province we have not monitored any fake rice,” NFA-Iloilo Manager Erna Abello said in a radio interview.
Related: Fake rice seized in Davao submitted for lab analysis
She said that the entry of fake rice is possible if it is through the back door.
Abello explained that the legal importation of rice undergoes several processes and certification required. The supplier is required to submit certificate of origin, certificate of weight and certificate of quality so that the NFA can already check if the supplier conforms to the quality of rice.
In addition, sanitary certificate, certification of milling and certificate on the condition of the vessel are some of the requirements needed by the suppliers.
The supply also undergoes various check-ups with the Bureau of Quarantine to assure the good quality of rice.
“We assure the public that with these processes, the rice coming in in the province is consumable and we can detect fake supply,” the NFA manager said.
Although the rice will undergo legal process, Abello revealed that smuggled rice cannot be checked by the Bureau of Quarantine and Customs.
“If there is such report, the Central Office will inform the field offices to monitor the existing supply,” she said.
