Potentially lethal fake rice from China said to have reached countries across Asia

Plastic rice laced with poisonous resin is reported to have made its way from China to several nearby countries with large rural populations, including India, Vietnam and Indonesia.

Fake rice, made from potatoes or sweet potatoes and molded into the shape of real rice with synthetic resin, is reportedly a common site in many Chinese markets, particularly in Taiyuan, Shanxi Province. 

Malaysian authorities have said that if mixed with real rice the fake stuff would be difficult to detect, and consuming it could have "negative implications on the digestive system" or even have lethal repercussions.

Although wholesalers could not easily import the resin-laced rice, it could be smuggled in through the border states and sold in small shops.

Other food adulteration scandals to have been unearthed in China recently include fake booze, fake bottled water, fake pet food and fake beef jerky.