A report appeared at Chinese web portal the www.shanghaiist.com said that plastic rice sold on the Chinese market has reportedly found its way into various Asian countries, including India, Indonesia and Vietnam. Manipur having porous boundary with Myanmar, fears the transportation of the said rice through Moreh from Myanmar side.
According to the report, the fake rice is made by mixing potatoes, sweet potatoes and synthetic resin, according to the International Business Times. It’s long been circulating on the market in Taiyuan, Shaanxi and appears identical to natural rice.
Health experts have warned that consuming the fake grains could seriously damage the digestive system.
Authorities have attempted to quell consumers’ fears as the internet has been abuzz with news of the fake rice landing on the shores of various Asian regions.
According to Oryza.com, the fake rice grains remain hard after being boiled, and the soup made by it forms a very unappetizing plastic sheath ‘that burns like plastic’ when heated up.