Plastic rice creates panic among people

​Nizamabad: The reports of plastic rice have been creating panic among the people since several consumers have been complaining of plastic rice mixed in normal rice they usually purchase.

A housewife, Lakshmi living in Armur complained of plastic rice mixed in normal rice and her children suffered health problems.

She said that she had purchased rice from Balaji kirana shop (groceries) and suspected something wrong since the water remained intact even after the rice was cooked. But the rice was half-cooked and a layer of starch was formed on the surface.

Speaking to The Hans India here on Thursday, Lakshmi alleged that the Balaji stores owner took her for a ride by selling her plastic rice, which became extremely hard after cooking, unlike normal rice that becomes soft.

She said her children suffered severe stomach ache after eating the rice. She and her husband lodged a complaint with the municipal authorities about the quality of rice that was being sold in the shop.

When contacted, Madhusudan, an officer in the municipality said they seized the ‘plastic rice’ and sent some of the samples to the laboratory for testing.

‘We gathered information about the places from where the plastic rice is procured. Action would be taken against those responsible for selling it only after getting test reports,’ he added.

Many people in the district said that it was the responsibility of the State government to ensure that fine quality rice sold to safeguard the health of the people. The municipal authorities should conduct inspections on the grocery stores, they suggested.