No ‘Plastic Rice’ In Odisha PDS, It is Fortified & Vitamin Laced, Says Minister

Bhubaneswar: Dubbing reports about distribution of ‘plastic rice’ in the public distribution system (PDS) in the state as rumour, the Odisha government on Tuesday said it is fortified rice laced with vitamin.

In a statement, Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak clarified that no ‘plastic rice’ is being distributed to PDS beneficiaries in the state

Stating that the vitamin laced rice was first distributed in Malkangiri district as a pilot project, he said that time also similar rumours were spread.

The rice has been added with vitamins and some people were making baseless claims. After awareness campaigns were organised across the district, beneficiaries came to know the fact, the minister added.

The authorities concerned will make the people aware in the districts where such claims are being made. One kilogram of vitamins is being added to a quintal of rice and then distributed in all districts in the state since February, Nayak said.

The rice is being distributed in PDS after being duly tested in government-approved laboratories and obtaining necessary approval, the Minister said.

Sources said fortified rice, which is a mix of fortified rice kernels (FRKs) and normal rice, is being distributed under the PDS. It has added nutrients like folic acid, iron and vitamin B-12. The texture and taste of the fortified rice might have created confusion and apprehension among some people, they added.