Bacolod City (CNN Philippines) — The National Food Authority (NFA) said Thursday (July 2) Bacolod City remains “fake rice-free” after conducting surprise inspections at the three major public markets here.
The inspection was done after suspected synthetic rice were seized in Davao City and were submitted for laboratory analysis.
Related: Fake rice seized in Davao submitted for lab analysis
NFA provincial manager Procopio Trabajo II said no fake rice were being sold at the rice outlets they checked at the Burgos Public Market, Libertad Public Market, and Bacolod Central Market.
Trabajo claimed that it is impossible for fake rice to enter Negros Occidental, including Bacolod City, and reach local markets here because the suspected artificial rice were already intercepted in Mindanao.
However, Trabajo is still appealing to dealers and consumers who worry about whether the rice they bought is authentic or not to take samples and submit it to the nearest NFA office for verification.
Trabajo also warned violators that they will face criminal charges and the cancellation of their licenses if caught selling fake rice.
Likewise, Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. called on residents to be more vigilant and report to authorities any suspected synthetic rice in their respective areas.
Related: NFA intensifies efforts vs. alleged fake rice
