These Are 6 Simple Ways To Detect Plastic Rice, Don't Be A Victim In This Festive Season

China has a history of making fake food items
and the fake rice phenomenon has been there for
a while. Reports indicate that China produces
fake rice which is mixed with plastic for
exportation to African countries including Nigeria.

A reputable English-language newspaper in
Korea, The Korea Times, reported that "China
famous for having all, making all, has now been
reported to have made rice out of plastic and has
distributed it."

The 'plastic rice' is reportedly made by forming
potatoes and sweet potatoes into regular rice
grains shape, then adding industrial synthetic
resins. It remains hard after cooking and can
cause serious health issues. Experts have raised
the alarm of possible flooding of the Nigerian
market with the 'plastic rice'. As the festive draws
closer, a lot of people will be getting bags of
rice from their employers, friends and well-
wishers.

You can determine if your rice is fake by carrying
out any of the simple tests below:-

1. The mortar and pestle test
When molding a few grains of rice with a mortar
and pestle, if the powder gives a quite white
colour, you are good to go but it has a yellow
discoloration, your rice must be fake.

2. The fire test
You know what plastic smells like right. So, get a
lighter and burn a handful of rice. If it catches
fire and smells like burnt plastic, you have fake
rice.

3. The water test
Get a glass of cold water. Pour a tablespoon of
raw rice in the glass and stir. If the rice goes to
the bottom, it is all good. If it floats at the top,
be careful because it means it contains 'plastic
rice'. Do not eat.

4. The mold test
Boil the rice. Leave it in a warm place for like
2-3 days. If mold does not appear in a few days,
your rice is fake and should not be consumed. It
will not get mold because plastic is not affected
by the weather or temperature.

5. The boiling test
Observe the rice while boiling. If it starts forming
a thick layer at the top of the pot, it is 'plastic
rice'.

6. The hot oil test
Just take some of the rice drop into some real
hot oil. If it is plastic, it will melt or stick
together or stick at the bottom of the pan.

Share these tips with your friends and family so
they do not end up eating 'plastic rice'. These
tests are very simple. Do not eat plastic rice, be
careful.