Report of plastic rice in Cuttack spreads panic among locals

Rumors of plastic rice being sold in Cuttack city today triggered panic among some residents.
A similar report from the Nuapada district last week too had caused fear among the people. The rumour, however, turned out to be false as food authorities could not trace any such sample in the local market.
Cuttack district authorities today said they are yet to receive any complaints of plastic rice being sold in the city.
"Even though, we have not received any specific complaint, we are aware of certain media reports and accordingly all the main rice traders of the city are under the scanner," said the district civil supply officer Amar Mohapatra.

A local TV report said a family in the Sheikh Bazaar area of the city had purchased upon well-polished rice, which when cooked, did not emanate any smell, nor the grains broke after the rice was fully cooked. The cooked rice also did not foment after a day.
"The local food authorities should immediately take note of such reports and raid the stock of rice traders in the city to clear the air of doubt," said Saroj Behera of Choudwar adding, the rice godowns of Cuttack city cater to several rural markets in the neighbourhood.