Agriculture Minister Abdur Razzak on Wednesday trashed reports on the manufacturing of so-called plastic rice in Bangladesh, saying it was impossible.
"News reports on plastic rice are baseless. The rice in question has been cooked and also made into puffed rice. Claims about it being plastic rice are not substantial," he told reporters at the secretariat after meeting with US Ambassador Earl Miller.
Media reports on 'plastic rice' in Gaibandha triggered widespread criticism among the consumers.
When asked whether the rice had been sent to Dhaka for tests, Razzak said that agriculture experts affiliated with the government had already examined the product and cleared it for consumption.
Razzak stating that Bangladesh had attained self-sufficiency in producing food grains, said: "Our challenge is to supply the people with nutritious food and increase food security."
He said the prime minister had announced the construction of a big, modern laboratory in Dhaka, where adulterated food can be detected with ease.
"Eight laboratories will be built in eight divisions. Trained manpower is required to run the machines, for which we have sought cooperation from the US," Razzak said.
The minister also said the ambassador assured continued assistance in the agriculture sector.
"The US Ambassador agreed that a suitable environment for investment has been created in Bangladesh due to the political stability, which will attract potential investors," the minister said.