How do you distinguish fake, plastic rice imported from China from the real rice that doesn't have plastic in it?

To distinguish between genuine rice and alleged "fake" or "plastic" rice, several simple tests can be conducted at home. Here are some of the most commonly recommended methods:

Water Test

• Place a few grains of rice in a glass of water. Genuine rice will sink to the bottom, while plastic rice will float25.

Boiling Test

• Boil the rice. If it forms a thick layer at the top of the pot, it may indicate the presence of plastic rice25.

Hot Oil Test

• Drop a few grains of rice into very hot oil. Plastic rice will melt, stick together, or settle at the bottom of the vessel, whereas real rice will not25.

Fire Test

• Burn a handful of rice using a lighter or flame. Genuine rice will burn normally and produce a typical burnt smell, while plastic rice will release a plastic or chemical smell and may catch fire more easily25.

Fungus Test

• After boiling the rice, place some of it in a bottle and leave it for two to three days. Genuine rice will develop mold or fungus, while plastic rice will not25.

Additional Observations

• Check the appearance: Real rice does not have a shiny or glossy appearance, which can be a sign of plastic rice3.
• Observe the behavior when cooked: Real rice absorbs water and does not form an unusual layer when boiled.

It is important to note that despite these tests, there have been no substantiated reports from national authorities confirming the widespread existence of plastic rice. Many investigations, such as those by the Centre for Food Safety in Hong Kong, have found that alleged "fake" rice samples were actually genuine rice4. Therefore, while these tests can provide some assurance, they should be taken in the context of broader food safety guidelines and official assurances.