The Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Promotions Center (DA-APC) has confirmed that black rice sold in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, is safe for consumption and not counterfeit, despite a consumer’s claim that the rice changed color when washed.
DA-APC chief Roman Dabalos addressed issues raised by a customer who reported that black rice purchased in Tagbilaran faded from black to pinkish when rinsed.
Dabalos said tests conducted by the agency, which involved washing and cooking samples of the rice, showed no unusual characteristics, confirming its authenticity.
“The black rice sold in stores is safe for human consumption,” Dabalos said, dismissing allegations of it being fake.
He noted that some locally produced black rice may contain traces of red rice due to crossbreeding, which could explain the color variation.
The DA’s Bureau of Plant Industry is still awaiting laboratory results from samples of the rice in question to further verify its safety and authenticity.
A store owner in Tagbilaran, who sold the rice under scrutiny, said they had received no other complaints about unusual characteristics in their stock.
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