Survey on Basmati rice

Tuesday 9 March 2004

Food Survey Information Sheet 47/04

Summary

This survey examined different brands of rice labelled as ‘Basmati’ to provide consumers with information on the non-Basmati rice content, as well as to check the Basmati rice variety where it had been declared. The survey employed a novel DNA test which was developed by the Agency.
A total of 363 samples were collected from a range of retail outlets and catering suppliers between the end of November 2002 and the end of January 2003 by 27 local authorities from across the UK. Loose and pre-packed sample sizes ranged from 125g to 20kg.
While 196 (54%) samples were found to contain only Basmati rice, non-Basmati rice was detected, at some level, in 167 (46%) of the samples analysed. 63 (17%) samples had a non-Basmati rice content greater than 20%, with 31 samples (9%) having a reported non-Basmati rice content greater than 60%.
68 samples were labelled with the variety of Basmati rice present. In 19 samples the declared variety was found to be the predominant variety present, while in the remaining 49 samples, the declared variety was either not present, or was only a minor component of a mixture of varieties. 18 samples were labelled as ‘Super Kernal', which is not an approved varietal name, and could be confusing to consumers, because it mentions two individual varieties, 'Super' and 'Kernal'. The Agency guidance published in February 2003 would not permit the use of this as a varietal name.
The current Grain and Feed Trade Association (GAFTA) Code of Practice on rice agreed with LACORS allows for the adventitious mixing of other rice in Basmati up to a maximum of 20% for the lowest grade. The Code is currently being revised; the Agency has pressed for a significantly lower figure for adventitious mixing, and for stricter requirements for varietal labelling. If the new proposed level of 7% non-Basmati is agreed, then only 74% of the samples would conform to this.

All local authorities participating and companies' home authorities have been informed of the results. To date, 13 local authorities have or are taking follow-up action as a result.

Survey on Basmati rice

Summary

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