Bangkok (VNA) – The Department of Medical Sciences (DMS) under the Thai Ministry of Health has announced that rice samples taken from the Ministry of Commerce are safe for consumption as they are free from aflatoxin, germs, and chemical contamination.
DMS head Dr. Yongyos Thammawut revealed the information on the recent tests conducted on the rice samples, saying that these tests were carried out in the top five laboratories and ranked third best in Asia.
The process included checks for visual and smell irregularities, besides probing for fungal toxins, residues from fumigation, and 250 kinds of agricultural chemicals. Examinations were also done to confirm the absence of heavy metals and analyse the nutritional value of the rice.
The results showed no fungal toxins and the heavy metal levels were within safe standards, he said, adding that the nutritional content of the rice didn't vary greatly from the commercial rice sold in the market.
The rice in focus is part of the government's reserve under the rice pledging programme.
Public auctions for the rice are slated for this month, with an average price expected to be 18 THB (0.5 USD) per kilogram./.
