[맛있는TMI]Harim’s controversy over the additives of instant rice

[이데일리 김보경 기자] Harim’s promotional text, which threw a challenge into the instant rice market, caused controversy over additives. Harim recently released’Harim pure rice (soonbap)’ and emphasized that their products do not use additives by using the phrase “Do you add additives when cooking at home?”

Harim launched’Pure Rice’, a premium instant rice product made only with rice and water, and introduced it to consumers (Photo = Harim).

Then, consumers wondered whether additives were used in existing products such as Hetbahn and Ottogibap.

According to CJ CheilJedang, which sells Hetbahn, and Ottogi, which sells Ottogibap, rice bran extract and acidity regulator are used respectively. In conclusion, it is not a problem component.

In the case of Ottogibap, add a small amount of acidity regulator to maintain the taste and aroma of rice, water, and rice. Acidity regulators are food additives to extend the preservation period of food and are used not only in instant rice but also in various instant foods such as rice cake, ham, and noodles.

If used within the range approved by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, it does not adversely affect health.

Rice bran extract is added to Hetbahn to maintain the taste and aroma of rice. Rice bran extract is 100% domestically produced as a component of rice bran. As a food ingredient extracted from the inner shell of rice, it is not a chemical additive and is used to maintain the taste of freshly cooked home rice. It is okay to use an acidity regulator, but it reflects the consumer’s sensitivity to additives and contains food ingredients.

If so, wouldn’t Harim’s pure rice contain these ingredients? Harim explained that instead of additives, instant rice is made by adding water (pouring water), cooking (cooking rice), and sealing (packing) in a clean room (class 100) at the level of a semiconductor factory. You can cook rice with only 100% rice and water.

An official in the food industry said, “As Hetbahn (70%) and Ottogibap (28%) occupy 98% of the entire instant rice market, Harim, a latecomer, emphasizes that there are no additives as a marketing tool for differentiation. It’s not bad for your health,” he said.