Most people don’t think twice when buying rice—it’s a staple food. But reports have shown that not all rice on the market is real. Some of it is fake and even made with plastic, posing a serious health risk.

China, the world’s largest rice producer and consumer, grows over 200 million tons of rice each year. However, investigations have uncovered rice on the market—particularly in Shaanxi Province—that contains a dangerous mix of potatoes, sweet potatoes, and plastic.

Consuming this fake rice doesn’t cause immediate symptoms, but it can lead to chronic toxicity. Over time, the risks include:

• Circulatory problems
• Liver damage
• Hormonal imbalances
• Behavioral changes
• Slower metabolism

How to Identify Fake Rice at Home

Fortunately, you can perform a few simple tests to check whether your rice is real and safe to eat.