Rice And Plastic: A Toxic Relationship

Rumours of plastic being sold as rice have been circulating since 2010, with viral videos of 'bouncing rice balls' fuelling the fake news. While there is little evidence that this is a widespread issue, food safety agencies have yet to find evidence to support these claims. However, according to a study by the University of Queensland, 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 serve for instant rice. The study also found that washing rice before cooking can reduce plastic contamination by 20 to 40 per cent.

Plastic rice rumour

Rumours of plastic rice have been circulating since around 2010, with reports of plastic rice being sold in Africa and elsewhere. The rumours were fuelled by viral videos showing bouncing rice balls, which some people claimed were made of plastic. In 2016, Nigerian customs authorities confiscated 2.5 tonnes of rice, initially claiming it was plastic, but were later forced to backtrack when the country's health minister said there was no evidence for the claims.

Despite the persistent rumours, food safety agencies have found little to no evidence of plastic rice being sold. While it is true that rice can be made to bounce when cooked properly, this is due to its natural characteristics of carbohydrates and proteins. In addition, plastic is more expensive than rice, so it would not make economic sense for companies to manufacture and sell plastic rice.

However, it is important to note that while rice may not be made of plastic, it can still contain microplastics. A study by the University of Queensland found that people consume around 3-4 milligrams of plastic for every 100 grams of rice, with the number jumping to 13 milligrams per serve for instant rice. The study also found that washing rice before cooking can reduce plastic contamination by up to 40%.

Another study on plastics contamination of store-bought rice found that polyethylene was the most frequently detected plastic, present in 95% of the rice samples. The study also found that instant or pre-cooked rice had four times higher levels of plastics, suggesting that industrial processing increases contamination.

While the presence of microplastics in rice is a concern, it is important to note that plastic contamination is not limited to rice. A study published in Environmental Science found that between 52,050 and 233,000 plastic particles under 10 micrometers were present in a variety of fruits and vegetables.

Plastic rice detection methods

The idea of plastic rice has been a cause for concern in several countries, including China, India, Nigeria, Singapore, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka. While food safety agencies have yet to find evidence supporting these claims, there are several methods that can be used to test for plastic rice. Here are some detection methods to identify potential plastic rice:

Water Test

Place a tablespoon of raw rice in a glass of water and stir it. If the rice floats to the top, it is likely plastic, as real rice will sink to the bottom due to its density.

Burning Test

Burn a handful of rice using a lighter or matchstick. Plastic rice will release a peculiar plastic smell and may curl up. Real rice may turn black but will not smell like burning plastic.

Hot Oil Test

Drop a few grains of rice into a pan of very hot oil (around 200 degrees Celsius). Plastic rice will melt and form a sticky layer at the bottom of the pan, while real rice will float. Additionally, the oil may form a thin layer on top from the melted plastic.

Boiling Test

Boil the rice and observe if it forms a thick layer at the top of the vessel. After boiling, place some rice in a container and leave it for 2-3 days. Real rice will develop fungus or mould, while plastic rice will remain unchanged.

It is important to note that these tests may not be entirely foolproof, and the best way to ensure food safety is to follow safe food handling practices and purchase rice from reputable sources.

Microplastics in instant rice

Rice is a staple food for more than half of the world's population. However, recent studies have found that microplastics are present in store-bought rice, raising concerns about the potential health risks associated with their consumption.

University of Queensland research has revealed that people are consuming three to four milligrams of plastic for every 100 grams of rice, with the amount increasing to 13 milligrams per serve for instant rice. This is four times higher than the amount found in uncooked rice. The study also found that washing rice before cooking can reduce plastic contamination by 20 to 40 percent.

The presence of microplastics in rice is a global issue, with samples collected from various countries, including India, Pakistan, Australia, and Thailand, all showing plastic contamination. The sources of these microplastics are suspected to be diverse, ranging from packaging to the harvesting process. Dr Jake O'Brien, the lead author of the Queensland study, emphasized the need to determine the safe levels of microplastics in food and the potential risks associated with exposure.

While the health effects of consuming microplastics are still not fully understood, studies have shown that exposure to foreign substances carries an inherent risk. Furthermore, the issue of microplastics in rice highlights the broader problem of plastic pollution in the environment, with plastics being highly resistant to degradation and easily entering the human food chain. As a result, there is a growing concern among scientists and a need for further research to address this issue.

Washing rice to reduce plastic

Rice is a staple food for more than half of the world's population. However, studies have shown that microplastics are present in store-bought rice, with pre-cooked or instant rice containing four times more microplastics than uncooked rice. People may be consuming three to four milligrams of microplastics for every 100 grams of rice, or up to 13 milligrams per serving for instant rice.

To reduce the consumption of microplastics, it is recommended to wash rice before cooking. Washing rice can reduce plastic contamination by up to 40%, according to researchers. This is because the packaging and industrial processing of rice may contribute to plastic contamination. Additionally, rice can be contaminated by microplastics transfer from soil to the paddy plant.

The process of washing rice involves rinsing the grains with water to remove the surface starch and any contaminants. It is a common practice in many cultures and can be especially beneficial for white rice, which has a softer endosperm that is more susceptible to breakdown and contamination. The washing process can be done by churning the rice and water together and then pouring it out while the water is still spinning, catching the damp grains, and repeating until the water runs clear.

While rinsing rice does not significantly reduce arsenic or heavy metal content, it is still recommended to ensure fluffy, light rice with individually defined grains for dishes like pilafs and salads.

Plastic in other foods

While there is little evidence that it is a widespread problem, rumours of plastic rice being sold in Africa and elsewhere have persisted for years, driven by viral videos showing bouncing rice balls. Investigations by the Ghana Food and Drugs Authority and the Nigerian customs authorities found no evidence of plastic rice being sold on their markets. However, a 2021 study by the University of Queensland found 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 serve for instant rice.

Plastic contamination is not limited to rice, and it is present in many other foods. A February 2024 study found that 90% of animal and vegetable protein samples tested positive for microplastics, tiny polymer fragments that can range from less than 0.2 inches (5 millimetres) down to 1/25,000th of an inch (1 micrometer). Even vegetarians are not exempt, as fruits and vegetables can absorb microplastics through their root systems and transfer them to the plant's stems, leaves, seeds, and fruit. A study published in Environmental Science found between 52,050 and 233,000 plastic particles under 10 micrometres in a variety of fruits and vegetables. Apples and carrots were the most contaminated fruit and vegetable, respectively, with over 100,000 microplastics per gram.

The health impacts of consuming microplastics are still not fully understood, but nanoplastics, in particular, are considered the most worrisome type of plastic pollution for human health. A March 2024 study found that people with microplastics or nanoplastics in the arteries in their necks were twice as likely to have a heart attack, stroke, or die from any cause over the next three years than those without. With over 16,000 plastic chemicals in existence, at least 4,200 of which are considered "highly hazardous" to human health and the environment, it is important to continue researching and addressing plastic contamination in our food systems.

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