China is the world’s largest producer and consumer of rice , producing an incredible 200 million tons annually. However, the Korea Times warned that the product is made of plastic and poses a serious health risk.
Despite initially being considered taboo, various studies have revealed that Chinese rice contains a small amount equivalent to a plastic bag. The study indicated that this rice—typically sold in Taiyuan, Shaanxi Province—contains a mixture of potatoes, sweet potatoes, and plastic.
Consuming this fake rice can lead to “chronic toxicity.” The greatest risk of ingesting this product lies in the fact that its effects are not immediate and are reflected in deteriorating health over time. Among the effects are circulatory, liver, hormonal, and behavioral problems, as well as a slower metabolism in humans.
How to identify fake rice from white rice
Below are four simple tests you can perform at home to verify, in just minutes, whether the rice you’re eating is healthy.
- Trial by fire
It directly burns grains of rice. If they ignite, it’s fake and made of plastic. This is because regular rice can’t catch fire, while artificial rice, due to its plastic composition, tends to burn.
- Test with water
In a glass of water, add a tablespoon of rice. If the grains sink to the bottom of the glass, it is organic rice and is safe to eat.
- Mold test
Prepare a small portion of rice in water, then put the rice in a plastic container and leave it in the sun for a week, if the rice remains intact, it is artificial.
- The cake and mortar test
Crush a few grains of rice in a mortar. If they form a white powder, the rice is organic and you can eat it. Otherwise, if it turns yellow, it is artificial rice, which is harmful to your health.
