Fortfield rice gives rise to rumours about ‘plastic rice’

BENGALURU: With rumours of ‘plastic rice’ doing the rounds, beneficiaries of the Anna Bhagya scheme seem to be sceptical about receiving the fortified rice that is being distributed through the public distribution system PDS).

The rumours about ‘plastic rice’ is spreading from Bengaluru to every village and some ration card holders have stopped using it. There are also rumours that adulterated rice is being mixed with the Anna Bhagya rice.

Food and Civil Supplies Department Commissioner Gyanendra Kumar, however, clarified that people have misunderstood the type of rice and are a little worried about it. “The Anna Bhagya rice is slightly different from normal rice and it floats on water. We have received many complaints from the public on whether it is  fortfield rice or plastic rice. This is not plastic rice, but is fortfield rice (enriched rice). It has nutrients like protein and iron which is needed for the body and also helps in curing anaemia”, he explained.

Food Commissioner said, “People need not pay heed to rumours about plastic rice; it is fortified rice. This rice will enhance our health”.