DOJ, NBI urged to probe synthetic rice

MANILA — A lawmaker yesterday urged government agencies to investigate the importers of synthetic rice in the country.

Quezon City Rep. Winston Castelo said the Department of Justice (DOJ) and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) should take part in the investigation to stop the proliferation of fake rice in the country.

He added that the agencies should file charges against the importers.

He also said that the Department of Health should launch an information campaign to tell the public about the harmful effects of synthetic rice and how to recognize them from the normal rice.

“It is endangering public health since fake rice has been described as dangerous to the digestive tract,” Castelo said as quoted in a Philippine Star report.

“These are criminals masquerading as public servants. They should not stay a minute longer in government,” she added.

Samples of the synthetic rice were found in Davao City and were tested to have contained chemical contaminants that are harmful to the body.