Hardly does a day go bye without millions of Nigerians consuming rice. This high demand has taken a bad turn due to unfair business practices of certain individuals who have decided to flood the market with plastic rice.
We must commend the Nigerian authorities who have been on top of the game by preventing this kind of rice into our markets. It is still important for consumers to be aware of what is trending in the plastic rice saga as this will aid in educating consumers about the dangers of this plastic rice.
It has become paramount that consumers will have to take measures to ascertain fake rice from the wholesome rice. The challenge is that these fake rice is mixed up with the wholesome rice making it difficult to separate.
Never the less, it is still important for consumers to verify the quality of rice they purchase. The moment you spot the likelihood of fake rice, you are best protected to avoid consuming it.
HOW THEN IS THE PLASTIC RICE PRODUCED?
Potato starch gets mixed with toxic plastic, synthetic resin, and then formed into rice-shaped kernels. Finally the grains are steamed with a typical rice aroma. Doctors have emphatically warned against consuming the artificial product: three full portions apparently contain as much plastic as there is in a little plastic bag. That's alarming!
WHAT CAN CONSUMERS DO TO STAY SAFE?
Many concerned consumers in Nigeria have been asking if there are any solution for consumers to tell the difference between authentic rice and manipulated one? Well, yes there are tricks that can be applied. With these outlined simple tricks you can test whether your rice is wholesome and plastic-free:
The Water Test: Pour a tablespoon of uncooked rice into a glass with cold water and stir it vigorously. If the rice all sinks to the bottom of the glass, it's fine. If the grains float up to the surface, be careful! There could be danger there.
Fire Test: Try setting a little bit of your rice on fire with a match or lighter. If it starts burning right away and smells like burning plastic, then you know what to do! (Do not eat it!)
The Mortar and Pestle Test: When you crush a few grains of rice with a mortar and pestle they should be reduced to a fine, white, starchy powder. But with artificial rice, you will see a light yellow discoloration instead.
The Mold Test: If you want to know for sure whether your cooked rice is quite safe, put a small quantity into an airtight container and leave it in a warm place. Within a couple of days it will have gotten moldy. Only fake rice stays mold-free.
If you know anyone trading plastic rice, be civic by reporting those individuals to the authorities. You could be saving the life of a loved one. Let’s work together for a wonderful consumer society.www.savetheconsumers.org