APCs for rice between the plants ranged from 1.9 to 5.2 log CFU/g (mean of 7 plants 3.1 log CFU/g) LAB were detected in rice at five plants (1.3-2.7 log CFU/g) and not detected at two plants. Fungi were detected in rice at six plants (1.3-3.4 log CFU/g). and B. cereus was also detected in rice at six plants (1.5-2.9 log CFU/g) AAB and coliforms were not detected.