The UK rice industry, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and the Local Authorities Coordinators of Regulatory Services (LACORS) have adopted an updated UK Code of Practice for basmati rice, defining parameters of labelling, blending and characteristics like grain length. The code, drawn up in discussion with representatives of the trade and Governments of India and Pakistan, will provide further protection to consumers on the labelling of basmati rice on sale in the UK and will help uphold the reputation of this premium product, which grows only in a specific region of India and Pakistan.

The Code of Practice, which recognises advances in DNA testing technology for identification of variety and mixture, lists the varieties that are currently approved by the Indian and Pakistani authorities and can use the description 'Basmati'. It lays down the minimum specifications for Basmati rice sold in the UK, and applies to prepacked as well as non-prepacked rice, and where rice is used as an ingredient in another food.

'We welcome the Basmati code of practice. It is a positive step forward and provides consumers with greater confidence in the basmati rice they buy.' Peter Woodward, Chairman of the Rice Association

'The BRC is pleased industry has reached agreement on the code of practice for basmati rice. The UK is the largest user of basmati rice in the EU and so customers need to know that what they are buying is quality, authentic basmati rice. We hope the code will restore and uphold the reputation of this product.' Dr Kevin Hawkins OBE, Director General, BRC

ABOUT BASMATI RICE

· No rice is grown commercially in the UK due to its unsuitable climatic conditions.
· The UK is the largest user of basmati rice within the EU. In the last four years, average annual imports of basmati rice into the EU have been approximately 250,000 tonnes (Source: European Commission).
· Basmati rice accounts for 37% of the UK retail rice market by value.

Click here to download the UK Basmati Code of Practice (PDF, 149KB)

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