The National Food Authority (NFA) refuted allegations that Department of Education (DepEd) employees in Nueva Ecija received poor or inedible rice.
NFA said on Wednesday, June 7, that the agency conducted an investigation and a series of laboratory tests in response to complaints regarding the one-time rice assistance program.
"In interviews so far conducted, receipt of any negative feedback on the quality of NFA rice distributed was denied. Instead, appreciation of the agency's program implementation was expressed," NFA said in a statement.
"As of this date, all rice issued were found to be edible, in good condition, and safe for human consumption. For the record, no formal complaints were filed and reported yet, to any of the offices of NFA Region 3," the agency added.
NFA said the office of the agency in Central Luzon secured certification from the 'concerned agency-beneficiaries stating all NFA rice stocks received are of good quality and in exact weight'.
Following the allegations, NFA assigned quality assurance officers to draw samples of rice for presentation to each assigned focal person the type, condition, and quality of rice before the actual issuance
"Compared to white, long grains, and aromatic commercial rice we use to see in the market, NFA rice is an ordinary rice, from milling of locally procured palay, which conforms to the specifications of only well-milled quality rice variety," NFA said.
"The agency appeals for an utmost understanding that some NFA rice might possess a relatively slight smell inasmuch as it might have been stored for some time in the warehouse as buffer stock," NFA requested.
NFA also asked the focal personnel of each agency beneficiary to witness the actual rice issuance to confirm the quality and exact quantity in bags and in weight based on the provided number of qualified beneficiaries.
NFA assured that the agency implements necessary quality management measures to assure that all rice stocks for issuance are of good quality and fit for human consumption.
In cases where the NFA issues bad orders, the agency promised to immediately replace and deliver the same to the concerned agency beneficiary.
