Bouncing Rice Isn't Plastic—Here's What's Really Happening

Описание: Is "Plastic Rice" actually entering our food supply? In this deep dive, we break down the viral videos, the chemical properties of starch that mimic plastic, and the industrial realities of food fraud.

The Science (TL;DW): The "bouncing" phenomenon in rice is caused by retrogradation—not plastic. When amylose and amylopectin (rice starches) cool down, they recrystallize into a hard, rubbery structure. This is natural food chemistry, not polymer adulteration.


Evidence: Plastic resin (LDPE/PP) costs more per pound than raw rice grains. Mixing them would increase manufacturing costs, not lower them.

Explanation: Viral footage often shows industrial plastic recycling (EVA pellets) or "Sampuru" (Japanese display food) manufacturing, mislabeled as food production.

📚 Sources & Further Reading:

Citation: FDA/EFSA Guidelines on Food Fraud

Citation: Principles of Cereal Science (Starch Retrogradation)

#FoodScience #PlasticRice #Debunked #FoodSafety #Rice