Rice is a staple food in many cultures around the world.
However, with technological advancements, problems arise such as the emergence of plastic rice, which poses health risks to those who consume it. It is important to know how to distinguish between real rice and plastic rice, as this can save lives.
What is plastic rice?
Plastic rice is a product made of plastic that is designed to look like real rice grains. This product has become popular in some markets due to its low production cost and ability to be mixed with real rice, allowing sellers to increase their profit margins.
Consuming plastic rice can have serious health consequences. Since plastic does not decompose in the human body, consuming it can cause digestive problems and even more serious conditions in the long run. Therefore, it is necessary to learn how to distinguish between real rice and plastic rice to avoid these risks.
How to distinguish between real rice and plastic rice
There are several ways to identify plastic rice. Some of the methods include:
- Flotation test
Place a handful of rice in a bowl of water. Real rice will sink, while plastic rice will float to the surface due to its low density. - Observe the grains
Real rice grains have a distinct smell and vary in shape and size, while plastic rice is uniform and odorless. - Buy from trusted establishments:
Purchasing rice from reputable stores and checking its source can reduce the risk of purchasing plastic rice.