Govt to hold enquiry into 'sale' of plastic rice, sugar

Health and Family Welfare Minister K R Ramesh Kumar on Friday announced in the Legislative Assembly a thorough enquiry would be conducted to check the veracity of entry of “plastic” rice, sugar and eggs into Karnataka market.

 After getting the enquiry report, government would be able to confirm or deny by Monday the reports in the media in this regard,the minister said.

Leader of the Opposition Jagadish Shettar said there were reports that plastic sugar, plastic rice and plastic eggs were sold in four to five districts in the state.

The adulterated/fake edible items, it is said, were found to be sold in parts of Ramanagaram, Kanakapura, Arsikere and Gangavati. It was also reported that plastic rice was sold under the government sponsored Anna Bhagya scheme.

 “The poor are scared to purchase rice. There could be serious health hazards if plastic edible items are being sold and consumed. The government must investigate into these incidents and explain the factual position,” the BJP leader said.

Joining the issue, his party colleague C T Ravi said it was reported that a ration shop in Sriramapura in Gangavati had sold plastic rice.

“Is the government itself supplying the adulterated food items? Is there any truth in such reports or are they just rumours?” he asked.

Replying to them, Ramesh Kumar said, “I wonder why would anyone come out with plastic egg or rice as manufacturing them would be a costly affair. Is it possible to adulterate the items as reported in the media? We have to find out scientifically about it. I wanted to pay surprise visits to certain shops but could not. We will hold an enquiry and then make a statement by Monday.”

However, Food and Civil Supplies Minister U T Khader argued that there is no adulteration as reported.

“It is the Food Corporation of India which is supplying rice under the Anna Bhagya scheme. Let us not confuse people and create psychological fear,” he said. BJP members countered him by asking whether he was making the statement based on laboratory test reports. The minister did not offer any reply.