K'taka minister dismisses rumours on plastic rice

Terming as "mere rumours," the reports about "plastic" rice and "Synthetic" eggs available in the market, Karnataka Food and Civil Supplies Minister U T Khader said no such case has been reported so far in the state.

"People need not panic on hearing such baseless reports.. Some vested interests are spreading rumours apparently to defame the Anna Bhagya scheme of the state government, which was being successfully implemented," he told reporters here on Saturday. The minister, however, said a probe has been ordered into the matter.

Rice was being distributed through Food Corporation of India under Anna Bhagya scheme and over 2.77 lakh metric tonnes of rice was required every month, he noted.

While the cost of an egg was Rs 5, its plastic replica would cost at least Rs 100, he added.