How to identify spurious plastic rice and protect your health
China is the largest producer of rice in the world where 200 tons are produced every year. However even as China rice production soars, so does the healthy concerns regarding the quality of rice as several reports have shown that Chinese rice has a huge plastic content.
In fact a report in the Korean times has even indicated that several Chinese companies sell spurious rice that is manufactured from plastic and potato starch but with a flavor and aroma of steamed rice. The spurious Chinese plastic rice is then mixed with organic rice to mislead consumers.
1 How to test for plastic rice
An investigation to this effect to discover how much the report was true led to shocking results. The Chinese rice contained plastic in the same quantity as a little plastic bag. There are several tests to find out the adulterated content which you can even perform at home.
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2 Water test
Take one tablespoon of Chinese rice and pour into a glass of water. Organic rice will fall to the bottom while plastic rice will float.
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3 Fire test
Light up a few rice kernels. If they don’t burn it means they are organic but if they do it means the rice is fake rice.
4 Mortar and pestle test
Using a mortar and pestle crush several grains of Chinese rice. Organic rice should become a fine powder but if there are yellow stains, it means the rice is fake.
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5 Mold
Cook some of the Chinese rice in water and then place in a plastic container. Leave the rice in the sun for a few days. If mold appears after a few days, it is organic. These tests for Chinese plastic rice are simple but should be done to protect your health.
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