Can You Spot A Made In China Plastic Rice From Natural Rice?

Can you tell this is fake plastic rice?

How can you tell if a grain of rice is fake or genuine, especially if the fake rice is made out of plastic? News of the fake rice has been circulating on social media platforms like Facebook and mobile messaging app Whatsapp for a few years now. These reports suggest that the rice was initially sold in Chinese markets, mainly in Taiyuan in Shaanxi province. 

At present, Malaysia has acknowledged the news. India have made complaints about the plastic rice coming in from China, with the Delhi government reportedly investigating. The rice is said to be more likely to be sold in small shops, from small suppliers, rather than large supermarkets.

Hasan Malek, Malaysia’s Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumerism, said that people should not panic over the news until it is officially confirmed. “The news can be true or false; we don’t know,” he told Star Online. “We also don’t know if the fake rice has entered the country, but we cannot take such things lightly and will carry out investigations nationwide.”

Hasan said that an investigative team would focus on testing rice samples at small shops. “We will conduct our investigations, but I would urge consumers to come forward and report to the ministry if they come across such rice. All reports made will be treated confidentially.” He added that the plastic rice would be hard to detect if mixed along with normal rice.

I hope the food standards agency in all countries are alert to this scam, test their rice before the masses consume toxic products. 

NAFDAC beware!!!