GOA, India, Oct 22, (Agencies): Rumors of plastic rice being supplied by Fair Price Shops (FPS) have been circulating on social media, causing panic among the people in Goa. In response, the Goa government has issued a clarification, emphasizing that only fortified rice is provided to consumers.

The Department of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs has addressed the concerns, saying, “It is informed that there have been misinformation and misleading videos circulated on social media as well as in local newspapers about ‘plastic rice’ being sold through the FPS. The issue has been clarified time and again not only by the Department but also at the Government level."

Fortified rice kernels are made with rice powder and mixed with essential micronutrients such as vitamin B12, folic acid, and iron. These micronutrients are added to the rice in appropriate proportions. They are then shaped in the form of rice and mixed with the main supply at the mill in a ratio of 1:100. Fortified rice, containing Iron, Folic Acid, and Vitamin B12, offers nutritional benefits without being plastic.

The statement further adds, "It is also informed that fortified rice can be stored, tastes, and can be cooked like normal rice. We must include fortified rice in our diet to have added nutritional advantages. It has been advised that millers should produce fortified rice as it has far-reaching benefits.”

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant emphasized that it is false propaganda, and confusion should not be created. He clarified, “It would be costlier to create plastic rice than to produce real rice." Sawant reassured the public that what was being referred to as plastic rice was, in fact, "fortified rice," approved by the Food Corporation of India and supplied through the public distribution system.

The owner of a Fair Price Shop concurred, stating, "We don’t know who spread these rumors causing panic. It is not plastic rice, as the FDA has also clarified about it.”