NFA warns vs I-Rice retailers’ modus

JUST a few days after the I-Rice (iron-fortified rice) was re-launched, the National Food Authority (NFA) cautions the public against unscrupulous retailers who allegedly take out the fortificant and sell the rice as “commercial” at a much higher price.

Celeste R. Gaabucayan, NFA information officer, said they received complaints that some retailers pay other people to take away the rice fortificant and use it for commercial purposes.

She said the I-rice is being sold by NFA for the less fortunate residents at P28 per kilo and is not intended for commercial sale.

The fortificant is a yellowish rice-form piece mixed in well-milled or regular-milled rice which the NFA buys at P7 per kilo in Davao City.

Gaabucayan said I-Rice retailers are even directed to sell only two kilos of rice to each customer to be fair in its distribution.

“Anybody can be a retailer in a simple process but our inspectors will ensure that the applicants are honest in selling the I-rice,” she said.

I-Rice is available in major markets in Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental, Lanao del Norte, Camiguin, Bukidnon and Misamis Occidental.

The NFA also distributes I-Rice through mobile retailing, especially in depressed areas in Northern Midanao, in cooperation with the local government units.

Pepito B. Paquio, NFA-X regional director, earlier said more outlets are set up in areas where there are high risk micronutrient deficiencies as identified by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The NFA introduced I-Rice in 2000 but re-launched it all over the country on March 15.