KOHIMA, MAY 17 (MExN): The Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) has ruled out the presence of plastic in the rice sold in the market, as has been alleged.
Following reports from consumers about the presence of suspected plastic rice in Kohima market on May 3 last, the KMC said its field staff along with the complainant went to the shop and collected six samples of rice and handed them over to the Food Safety officials for further necessary action.
On May 16, 2019, the Food Analyst of State Public Health Laboratory (SPHL) submitted their test report to KMC office with a result that presence of plastic in the rice is ruled out.
The KMC while appreciating the concern shown by the citizens and the efforts given by the SPHL, further requested the general public to be aware of any such activities and inform the office or contact: 8787589018/9436203061 and 8787409661.
This was stated in a public information note issued by KMC administrator Kovi Meyase.
The origin
Despite little credible evidence, rumours of "plastic" rice being sold in Asian countries, Africa and elsewhere continue to persist particularly on social media.
The term 'plastic rice' first surfaced in China in 2010. Dubbed the Wuchang rice scandal, Chinese officials unearthed a scam by companies who passed off ordinary rice as premium Wuchang rice by adding flavours to it. The Wuchang rice, known for its unique aroma, is exported to various nations. In 2011, a report by The Korea Times said: “Some distributors are selling fake rice in Taiyuan, Shaanxi Province, and this rice is a mixture of potatoes, sweet potatoes and plastic.” Thus the term 'plastic rice' came into existence.
