It is used to make fried rice whiter, larger and more attractive to consumers. Unscrupulous traders are pursuing the bad practice without any resistance from the law enforcers.

During its preparation, urea is mixed with saline water. Then the mixture is sprayed on rice and kept for some time in an earthen pot before frying. About 15 to 20 grams of urea is usually used in making one kilogram of fried rice white.

As urea mixed fried rice becomes very attractive, its demand is higher than fried rice produced in a traditional manner. Its price is also higher.

The harmful practice started a few years back. But this year its use increased alarmingly.

Urea is normally used as a fertiliser for rapid growth of crops. It is also used in fattening cattle. But it is very harmful for human health.

According to physicians, it may cause kidney problem, create nausea.