Do hypermarkets, like Big C, sell old government stock rice that has been over-treated with phosphine gas?
Consumers are warned on social media not to buy old rice. This can usually be recognized by a dull color, contains flakes and dust and smells moldy. The rice would be dangerous to health and even increase the risk of cancer.
But the authorities and rice traders refer these reports to the realm of fables. The rice bought by the government is not treated more than the standard twice a year with phosphine gas, an insecticide recommended by the FAO. Reports of rats dying after eating the over-treated rice are untrue. Nor have people died.
According to Pranee Siriphand, director general of the Foreign Trade Department, consumers should not panic. Overtreatment is impossible because it increases costs. The messages are said to be aimed at making it more difficult for the government to sell the expanding stock.
Somkiat Makkcayathorn, president of the Thai Rice Packers Association, also dismisses the rumours. No anti-fungal chemicals are added to the packaged rice. That is not necessary because the packaged rice is ground and clean and has a moisture content of 12 to 14 percent.
The Thai Retailers Association released a statement yesterday, confirming that all member stores have chosen their packaging companies carefully. The selection process meets international requirements.
Kudatara Nagaviroj, director of Big C Supercenter Plc, says there is nothing wrong with the rice Big C sells. 'We regularly inspect and verify the storage, packaging process and food safety of our rice suppliers.'
(Source: Bangkok Post, June 18, 2013)
Thailand is an important export country and is highly regarded in the world, so people will be careful to tamper with rice, this would have major consequences for rice exports in Thailand.
In the Netherlands there is no need to worry at all, here the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority strictly measures the rice (including vegetables) to see whether they contain high concentrations of toxic substances or fungi that would be harmful to the consumer.