An unlicensed food flavoring essence plant in Shanghai's Pudong New Area has been caught supplying flavoring essence to producers of fake Thailand rice in east China's Anhui Province.
China Central Television's annual "3.15" quality investigation program, which aired on Wednesday night, revealed that Shanghai Rofeeflavor & Fragrance Co Ltd, based in the Zhangjiang area, has been supplying flavoring essence to quite a number of rice plants in Anhui despite not having a food additive producing license.
Moreover, food additives in rice are banned.
Officials bust the plant on Wednesday night following the exposure.
About 10,000 tons of the fake rice are sold in Anhui every year, the report uncovered, quoting a manager of Yongliang Rice Co in Huainan City.
After adding the essence, the rice was labelled as imported from Thailand on its package by Anhui Xiangwang Grain, Oil and Food Technology Co Ltd.
The essence gives the rice light "fragrance."
This essence-added rice was sold at higher prices and the unscrupulous practice has lasted for many years, the report said, quoting a manager of Xiangwang.
