Soaked rice becomes slimy in Hau Giang: Authorities take samples for testing

Previously, in mid-May 2025, people in Hoa An commune, Phung Hiep district, bought 4 bags of rice from a rice selling facility with unusual signs. Each bag of rice weighed 25kg for 365,000 VND.

The interdisciplinary inspection team on food safety and hygiene of Hau Giang province inspected a rice business in Hoa An commune after receiving complaints from local people.

After soaking for about 30 minutes, many rice grains will soften and become slightly sticky. When squeezed lightly by hand, it will be just like regular cooked rice.

According to the people, when they cooked this rice, they did not notice anything unusual. However, when they soaked the rice to grind it into flour to make cakes, they discovered that after about 30 minutes of soaking, many rice grains had softened and were slimy. When they were gently squeezed by hand, they looked like normal cooked rice grains. The rice grains with this unusual problem accounted for about 30%-40%. Because they were afraid of affecting their health, the people returned 3 bags of rice to the business they had purchased.

Hau Giang province inspection team is waiting for rice sample results.

According to the owner of the rice business, more than 2 months ago, the business took 450kg of “Mot buoi do” rice (long grain, sticky, shiny rice surface) from a business in Can Tho City (25kg/bag) to sell to people. After receiving information from customers reporting unusual problems with the rice, the business returned 400kg to the business that had delivered it earlier.

The inspection team took the remaining rice of the facility that was on display on the shelves for inspection, there were many soft and slightly slimy rice grains as reported.

The inspection team requested the rice seller to make a report. At the same time, they took rice samples and sent them to specialized agencies for inspection and evaluation to have a final conclusion and give specific handling directions.

According to Nguyen Minh Duc, Head of the Department of Quality, Processing, Market and Rural Development of Hau Giang Province, initial inspections showed that the mixed rice grains that softened after soaking in water could be a form of vegetable starch or some other compound; whether or not they affect consumers' health has yet to be determined.

VINH TUONG

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/gao-ngam-bi-nhot-o-hau-giang-co-quan-chuc-nang-lay-mau-kiem-tra-post796431.html