The Department of Agriculture (DA) has confirmed reports of infested rice being sold at a stall under the government’s ‘Rice-for-All’ program in Quezon City.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. clarified that the rice did not come from the National Food Authority (NFA).
Aside from confirming the sale of such rice at a Kadiwa stall, the secretary has also ordered an investigation into the matter.
Laurel described the case as an “isolated incident” and stated that initial reports indicated a small number of weevils were found upon opening the sacks.
He questioned why the rice was still sold despite prior orders to halt the sale of such stocks in the market.
According to Laurel, this incident serves as a lesson for Food Terminal Incorporated (FTI) and the DA to strengthen quality control measures before releasing rice to the public.
The secretary assured that he would personally oversee the investigation to determine the source of the infested rice and ensure it is no longer distributed.
Meanwhile, NFA rice is expected to be available for public purchase at Kadiwa stalls next week under the ongoing ‘Rice-for-All’ program.