NFA assures good quality rice sold in market

This assurance comes in the wake of a news report where a retailer in the Pasig mega-market allegedly complained of the poor quality of NFA rice they are selling. (File Photo: National Food Authority/Facebook)

MANILA — The National Food Authority (NFA) on Monday assured the public that the agency releases only good quality rice stocks for sale at PHP27 per kilogram in public markets.

In a statement, NFA Administrator Judy Carol Dansal said the agency takes good care of its stocks through good warehouse-keeping protocols and “it is NFA’s policy to release only rice stocks that are safe and in good condition.”

This assurance comes in the wake of a news report where a retailer in the Pasig mega-market allegedly complained of the poor quality of NFA rice they are selling.

An official of NFA’s East District Office, which has jurisdiction over the Pasig area, immediately checked on the quality of NFA rice sold in the area, but no such “poor quality” stocks with “bad odor and even worms” were presented as the retailer said she had already sold all her stocks.

“How was she able to sell all her NFA rice stocks if it was rotten? This only means there is ill will in the act of this particular retailer because all our accredited retailers know that we have a standing policy to replace bad stocks or if the quality is unacceptable,” Dansal said.

NFA-National Capital Region Director Carlito Co also assured that all rice stocks being distributed nationwide undergo regular quality audit and pest control measures.

He said they always stress during their regular “Ugnayan” meetings with accredited retailers that they can only sell good quality NFA rice, and they can always ask for a replacement if ever they receive bad quality stocks.

“As shown in the news report, that complaint from the single Pasig market retailer was an isolated case. Other NFA rice retailers and buyers interviewed in the area attested to the good quality of NFA rice they sell and buy, respectively,” Dansal added.

Dansal said while NFA’s regulatory functions have been removed under Republic Act 11203 or the Rice Tariffication Law, the agency continues to make an effort to monitor and ensure the safety and good quality of NFA rice sold at the prescribed price of PHP27 per kilo.