No plastic rice in TN, but tests conducted as a precaution: Government

Rumours about distribution of such rice were followed by reports from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Residents from these states complained of stomach problems following consumption of rice (which they claimed was made of plastic). 

As TN also sources some of its rice from AP and Karnataka, there was a fear among people that the commodity could have entered Tamil Nadu also. Despite the state Food Minister R Kamaraj denying such reports and stating in unequivocal terms that TN had enough rice to meet any exigency and that there was no need for plastic rice, people still doubted the circulation of plastic rice.

TNFSDA officials said to quell the fear, spot tests would be conducted in the shops. He also said that samples would also be sent to six food labs located in various parts of the state if there was a need for further tests. 

“Though we have not come across any plastic rice till date, we are undertaking the tests as a precautionary measure,” a senior official said. Samples were tested at Tirunelveli, Vellore, Ambur and Thanjavur. So far, we have not found plastic rice in any part of the state. 

Sources revealed that “plastic rice is a Chinese product in which broken rice is mixed with other ingredients and given a plastic coating to mimic the traditional white colour of rice. But till date, claims of plastic rice have not been substantiated anywhere in the world.”