A Chinese television report has alleged that a company in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province has been producing a fake version of high-quality "Wuchang rice" by adding flavoring to ordinary rice.

"Wuchang" rice is usually produced in Wuchang, Heilongjiang Province, and is regarded as the country's top rice in terms of quality.

The price of real "Wuchang" rice is higher than ordinary rice. But the fake versions of this rice on sale in a Xi'an wholesale market, the largest grain wholesale market in Northwest China, is not more expensive than ordinary rice, and some stalls are even offering it for less than ordinary rice.

A reporter with China Central Television (CCTV) witnessed the production process of  the fake "Wuchang" rice at Liuhongfu Rice Co. in Xi'an, and it was allegedly achieved by mixing the regular and inexpensive rice together with some flavoring. This process gives the cheaper rice a special aroma.

According to China's food regulations, food additives must not be used for the purpose of adulterating or attempting to hide the quality deficiencies of any types of food.

Last year, the Ministry of Health issued a special bulletin stating that producers of rice and other food producers must not use flavoring and other additives to enhance the aroma of the products.

A spokesman for Liuhongfu Rice Co. did not deny the allegations, saying that real "Wuchang" rice is rare and expensive, and the rice products they labeled "Wuchang" rice are made using rice from Hubei Province, Jiangsu Province and other parts of Northeast China. He said the adulterated rice products have been selling very well due to the lower prices compared to the real thing.