Microplastics databaseStaples and side dishesChecked 2026-10-01
Microplastics in rice
A 2021 study of rice bought in Australia found plastic in every sample, and washing reduced it by about 20–40%. Cooked instant rice had about 4 times as much as ordinary rice.
Amounts found in studies
| Study | What was tested | Size range and method | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dessì et al. (2021) | 52 rice samples bought in Australia | Py-GC/MS (by mass) | Per gram: 67 μg in unwashed raw rice, 52 μg in washed raw rice, 283 μg in instant rice. In a 100 g serving: 3.7 mg, 2.8 mg and 13.3 mg |
Results can differ by orders of magnitude depending on the smallest particle size counted and whether particles are counted or weighed. Numbers from different studies cannot be compared directly (→ Why numbers differ).
Good to know
- Washing cut the amount by about 20% in raw rice and about 40% in instant rice. There was no difference between paper bags and plastic bags.
- In 2025 the same laboratory reported that measuring body tissue by Py-GC/MS overestimates polyethylene (it is hard to tell apart from fat). This does not refer directly to rice.
What you can do at home (shown in research)
- Washing rice reduced the amount of plastic by about 20–40% (Dessì et al. 2021).
Data from Japan
No study measuring Japanese rice was found.
Types of plastic found
Related explainers
Sources
- Dessì C et al. J Hazard Mater 2021;416:125778 (PMID 33866293)
- Rauert C et al. Environ Sci Technol 2025;59(4):1984-1994 (PMID 39851066)
Last checked 2026-10-01. “Confirmed in the abstract” means we report only what the paper's abstract says. This page is a translation of our Japanese page; if they differ, the Japanese page is the reference.
Public bodies such as WHO, FAO and EFSA do not currently recommend that individuals avoid any particular food because of microplastics. This page lists facts from research and public agencies' documents; it does not judge whether a food is good or bad.