MARGAO: With the Civil Supplies Department yet to initiate an inquiry into the issue of maggot-infested rice, the ration cardholders were in for another rude shock as they claimed to have received ‘plastic rice’ mixed in the foodgrains distributed at the fair price shops (FPS).
Taking serious note of the issue, GOACAN, an organisation working towards consumers’ rights, demanded that an independent agency be appointed to verify the allegations of infested rice at FPS.
On Monday, most cardholders from the BPL category from Benaulim constituency claimed that they found ‘plastic rice’ mixed in the foodgrains they received from the fair price shops.
In the last few days, the issue pertaining to maggot-infested rice distributed at FPS is in the news, however, now the ‘plastic rice’ issue has come to haunt the ration cardholders, who have demanded an immediate inquiry into the matter.
Perpet Gonsalves, a BPL cardholder from Benaulim, told the reporters that the foodgrains she received from the FPS were mixed with ‘plastic rice’.
“I found something suspicious while cooking the rice. Plastic stench started to emanate from the rice when I tried to burn it,” she told reporters.
Perpet further stated that for the first time she found such foodgrains from the fair price shop.
Meanwhile, several cardholders from the Salcete continue to receive infested rice with maggots and fungus from the FPS.
“The infested rice is unsafe for human consumption. And hence, the department concerned needs to immediately replace it or stop the distribution of the maggot-infested rice,” said Hemant Angle, a Margao resident.
Roland Martins, GOACAN coordinator, said that he will highlight the issue of maggot-infested rice during the meeting of the District Consumer Protection Council scheduled on May 17 at Panjim.
“There has to be an agency to verify and resolve such issues. The department involved in the distribution of rice cannot be the investigating agency. Systems need to be followed to stop such mess,” he added.
