(Eagle News Service) — The National Food Authority said that the so-called “fake rice” found in Davao City and other areas had traces of dibutyl phtalate, a chemical used to soften plastic materials.
The NFA’s Food Development Center made the analysis on the contaminated rice confiscated in Davao City on June 26.
The FDC analyzed the cooked rice and said that the rice was contaminated with dibutyl phthalate, a plasticizer used to soften plastic materials.
Authorities said the chemical dibutyl phalate would not immediately have any effect on those who ingested it. It would take three months before its effects on health would be felt.
Studies have also shown ill effects on the reproductive organs of rats who ingested food contaminated with the chemical dibutyl phthalate.
Still, Presidential adviser on food security Francis Pangilinan tried to assuage fears of the public regarding the so-called fake rice.
He said the NFA is continuing to investigate the matter.
The entry of “fake rice” allegedly from China has also been reported in other Asian countries and is causing alarm.
It is not easy to spot the fake rice from the real rice when raw, according to observers.
(with a report from ENS reporter Juliet Caranguian)
