Omar Khalid
Since 2010, rumours have been circulating that plastic rice is being sold as real rice, particularly in countries that are dependent on imported rice. Despite little evidence, the rumours persist, fuelled by viral videos showing people bouncing rice balls. While food safety agencies have found no evidence of plastic rice, the University of Queensland's research found that people consume three to four milligrams of plastic for every 100 grams of rice, with the number jumping to 13 milligrams per serve for instant rice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic in rice | Microplastics are found in rice, with people consuming 3-4 mg of plastic per 100 g of rice. Pre-cooked or instant rice has four times more plastic, averaging 13 mg per serve. |
| Plastic rice rumours | There are persistent rumours of plastic being sold as rice, fuelled by viral videos on social media. These rumours have spread in Africa, India, and elsewhere. |
| Food safety investigations | Food safety agencies and governments have investigated these rumours and, in most cases, found no evidence of plastic rice being sold. |
| Rice ball test | The viral videos show rice formed into a bouncy ball, which is possible with cooked rice due to its natural characteristics. This is not indicative of plastic rice. |
| Other tests | Other suggested tests for plastic rice include checking if it sinks in water, smells like plastic when heated, or melts in hot oil. |
| Plastic rice production | There are reports of Chinese factories producing fake rice substitutes from potatoes, sweet potatoes, and synthetic resin. However, the cost of plastic chips is likely more expensive than real rice, making it counter-productive. |
| Health impact of microplastics | The health impact of consuming microplastics is still being studied, but exposure can cause an element of risk and may lead to potential cell damage, allergic reactions, endocrine disruption, and other issues. |
| Reducing plastic contamination | Washing rice before cooking can reduce plastic contamination by 20-40%. |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic rice in Nigeria
In 2016, the Nigerian Custom Service intercepted 102 bags of rice branded as "Best Tomato Rice" after the recipient of a gift of rice alerted authorities. The customs service said the 2.5 tonnes of "plastic rice" were smuggled into the country by unscrupulous businessmen. Lagos customs chief Haruna Mamudu said the fake rice was intended to be sold in markets during the festive season. He also said that the rice was very sticky after it was boiled and warned that it could be dangerous for consumption.
Dr. Victoria Feyikemi of Babcock University Hospital Ogun State, Nigeria, said that the medical consequences of consuming such products can be severe because the fake rice has synthetic resin that is harmful to the body. “When you eat three bowls of this rice, you are basically ingesting one vinyl bag and the toxicity and associated pathologies are numerous. We cannot afford to add plastic rice-associated medical emergencies to our numerous health challenges in Nigeria, remember we are still struggling with Lassa fever,” she said.
However, the health ministry released a statement urging Nigerians to remain calm after preliminary findings revealed no evidence that the rice was plastic or consisted of toxic chemical substances. The health minister’s statement contradicted earlier reports from customs officials.
Rumours of plastic rice being sold in Africa and elsewhere have persisted on social media, fuelled by viral videos showing bouncing rice balls. These rumours have spread across various countries, including Senegal, The Gambia, and Ghana, prompting investigations by government agencies. While there have been reports of fake rice scandals, there is little evidence that plastic rice is a widespread problem.
The desire for cheaper rice makes Nigerians vulnerable to the counterfeit food industry. Economics expert Lanre Adigun explained that the high cost of rice and the porous nature of Nigeria's borders contribute to the influx of counterfeit rice into the country.
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Plastic rice in China
Rumours of plastic rice being sold in Africa and elsewhere have circulated on social media since about 2010, originating in China. These rumours were prompted by "fake rice" scandals, although they didn't involve food made entirely out of plastic. In one case, companies were passing off ordinary but edible rice as premium "Wuchang" grains. Then, in 2011, reports emerged that rice was being produced with potatoes and industrial sticky resin. These rumours were fuelled by viral videos of bouncing rice balls and people making rice into dense balls. However, experts have debunked these rumours, stating that when prepared in a certain way, rice can bounce due to its natural carbohydrates and proteins.
In 2016, Nigerian customs authorities confiscated 2.5 tonnes of rice that they initially claimed were plastic. However, they were later forced to backtrack when the country's health minister said there was no evidence for the claims. Tests showed that the rice did, however, contain a high level of bacteria. Similarly, in 2021, India's mainstream media had little information on 'plastic rice', but social media was flooded with forwards on the "Chinese conspiracy" behind dumping 'plastic rice'. However, fact-checking website Snopes.com labelled the claim as "unproven", and India has never seized plastic rice.
Research has shown that certain rice factories in China have been producing a "fake rice substitute" in place of the popular and more expensive Wuchang rice, for greater profit. This substitute is made using a mixture of potatoes, sweet potatoes, and synthetic resin (plastic). These ingredients are formed into "grains" resembling actual rice and are sprayed with a fragrance to mimic Wuchang rice. While consuming this "plastic rice" is harmful and toxic, it is likely more expensive than real rice, making the rumours unlikely. Furthermore, no cases have been confirmed of large amounts of plastic chips being passed off as rice.
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Plastic rice in India
Rumours of plastic rice being sold in India have been circulating since around 2010, with reports of demonstrations against such rice and a public interest litigation filed before the Delhi High Court. However, there is little evidence that it is a widespread problem in the country. The term ''plastic rice' first surfaced in China in 2010, when Chinese officials uncovered a scam involving companies passing off ordinary rice as premium Wuchang rice by adding flavours to it. Wuchang rice, known for its unique aroma, is exported to various nations, and Chinese traders are believed to have made significant profits through this scam.
In 2011, a report by The Korea Times claimed that distributors in Taiyuan, Shaanxi Province, were selling fake rice made from a mixture of potatoes, sweet potatoes, and plastic. The report detailed the health hazards of consuming synthetic resin, and a Chinese official warned that eating three bowls of this man-made rice was equivalent to ingesting a plastic bag. This sparked widespread concern, and soon, similar rumours began to circulate about plastic rice being sold in Africa and India.
In 2016, Nigerian customs authorities confiscated 2.5 tonnes of suspected plastic rice, but later backtracked when the country's health minister found no evidence to support the claims. While there have been no confirmed cases of large amounts of plastic rice being passed off as real rice, the rumours persist, fuelled by viral videos on social media that show bouncing rice balls and allegedly reveal how the rice is made in factories. However, rice experts have stated that rice, when prepared correctly, can indeed bounce due to its natural characteristics of carbohydrates and proteins.
In India, the Telangana Civil Supplies Department has received numerous complaints about hotels in Hyderabad and Secunderabad using 'plastic rice' in their food items. While 'plastic rice' has never been seized in the country, the public remains concerned about the potential health risks of consuming such products. As a result, people are being advised to be cautious when purchasing food and to learn how to identify fake rice to avoid being duped by fraudulent food suppliers and manufacturers.
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Microplastics in rice
Microplastics are a growing concern for environmentalists and health professionals alike. These tiny plastic particles, often microscopic in size, have been found in a variety of ecosystems and food sources, including seafood, sewage sludge, and even our staple food items such as rice.
Rice is a staple food for more than half of the world's population, and recent studies have confirmed the presence of microplastics in store-bought rice. The University of Queensland research revealed that people are consuming three to four milligrams of plastic for every 100 grams of rice, with the amount jumping to 13 milligrams per serving for instant rice. This is the first study to quantify the levels of microplastics in rice, and it highlights the potential health risks associated with plastic consumption.
The study found that washing rice before cooking can reduce plastic contamination by 20 to 40 percent, a recommendation supported by Queensland University researchers as well. Polyethylene was the most frequently detected plastic in rice, with smaller amounts of polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate also present. While the health effects of consuming microplastics are still being researched, there are concerns about the potential risks to human health, particularly regarding interference with organ systems and hormones.
The issue of microplastics in rice is not an isolated incident. Rumors and incidents of "plastic rice" being sold, especially in Africa and Asia, have been circulating for years. While many of these rumors were debunked, there have been instances, such as in Nigeria, where large quantities of "plastic rice" were confiscated by customs authorities. These fake rice grains are often made from potatoes, sweet potatoes, and synthetic resin, resembling actual rice grains closely and causing concern among consumers and authorities alike.
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Testing for plastic rice
Since around 2010, rumours have been circulating—particularly on social media—that plastic rice is being sold in various parts of the world. Despite little evidence that it's a widespread problem, many people remain concerned about the possibility of consuming plastic rice. Here are some testing methods to identify plastic rice:
Water Test
Place the rice in a bowl and add water until the rice is completely submerged. Stir the water gently for a few seconds and then let it settle. Real rice will sink to the bottom due to its density, while plastic rice will float to the surface. It is normal to see some dirt or debris floating, but all rice grains should eventually sink.
Microwave Test
Combine equal parts rice and water in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high for 3 to 5 minutes. Then, use a spoon to skim the surface and check for a layer of plastic residue. Plastic rice will form a thick layer of melted plastic that has not been absorbed, whereas real rice will start to fluff up and absorb the water.
Hot Oil Test
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan on high heat. Once the oil is very hot and thin, add a thin layer of rice so you can observe the individual grains. Pay attention to any grains that contract and melt, as this is an indication of plastic rice since plastic melts when exposed to high heat.
Fungus Test
Boil the rice for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a plastic bottle or container and let it sit for 2 to 3 days. If the rice does not develop any mould or fungus, it may be plastic. This test is based on the fact that real rice is susceptible to fungal growth under certain conditions.
Fire Test
Use a tablespoon to scoop up some rice and carefully hold it over a flame, such as a lighter. Be cautious when performing this test to avoid any accidents or burns. Plastic rice may melt or produce a chemical smell when exposed to an open flame, whereas real rice will not exhibit these characteristics.
It is important to note that these tests may not be completely accurate, and professional laboratory testing is often required to confirm the presence of plastic in rice conclusively. If you suspect your rice may be contaminated, it is advisable to contact your local food safety authorities for guidance.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no evidence that plastic rice is being manufactured and added to real rice. However, research has shown that people are consuming three to four milligrams of plastic for every 100 grams of rice they eat, with the number jumping to 13 milligrams per serving for instant rice.
There are several ways to test for plastic in rice. One way is to coat a pan with oil and heat it up. Then, add a thin layer of rice and check for grains that contract and melt, as plastic melts when exposed to high heat. Another way is to boil your rice for 10 minutes and then put it in a container for 2-3 days. If the rice does not form any mould or fungus, it could be plastic.
Suspicions about plastic rice being passed off as food have circulated online since around 2010. These suspicions were fuelled by videos on social media that showed people bouncing rice balls, claiming that the rice was made of plastic. However, rice can bounce when prepared in a certain way.
There have been reports of plastic rice being sold in Africa, India, and China. In one instance, Nigerian customs authorities confiscated 2.5 tonnes of rice that was believed to be plastic. However, the country's health minister later stated that there was no evidence to support these claims.
