Is Plastic Rice making its way to the Philippines?

Rice is the staple food of many countries especially in Asia. Recently, however, there have been news that fake rice made of synthetic resin has already reached different countries in Asia.

The fake rice or plastic rice is apparently made from potatoes, sweet potatoes, and synthetic resin which is molded into the shape of rice grains. This type of rice stays hard even after cooking.

According to Straits Times, the fake plastic rice is commonly sold in markets in China. It has also reportedly has made its way to India, Indonesia, and Vietnam, where the rural population is high and rice is the staple food.

Plastic rice feared to have reached Philippine markets

Since the Philippines imports most of its rice from Vietnam, with 300,000 metric tons imported in April 2015, there have been fears that plastic rice may have reached the Philippine market. However, according to GMA News, government agencies have already clarified that the plastic rice is not being sold in the country.

Director Angel Imperial Jr. of the National Food Authority (NFA) assured the public that there is no fake or plastic rice in the NFA importation.

In addition, Emerson Palad of the Department of Agriculture also said that he already clarified with the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) who also said that plastic rice have not reached Philippine shores. He also mentioned that there is a strict screening of all imported rice.

Plastic rice, fatal rice

Aside from its hard texture after cooking, synthetic resin which is used in making plastic rice can cause severe stomach pain and even death when consumed.