Members of the British Retail Consortium have signed up to a new code of practice, to reassure consumers that rice labelled and sold as ‘Basmati’ is the real thing.
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The new, tighter code is in response to concerns that Basmati rice sold in the UK contains high levels of other non-Basmati varieties. Basmati rice only grows in specific regions of India and Pakistan.
The new code has been drawn up by the BRC, the rice industry and LACORS (Local Authority Co-ordinators of Regulatory Services). It recognises advances in technology that identifies mixture and variety, lists those varieties that are approved by the Pakistani and Indian authorities and can use the description ‘Basmati’ and sets out minimum specifications for Basmati rice sold in the UK. It applies to pre packed and non-packed rice and also rice used as an ingredient in other products.
“The BRC is very pleased industry has reached agreement on a tighter code of practice,” said BRC director general, Kevin Hawkins. “This is a perfect example of how Industry can work together and come up with a practical solution for all involved, while still protecting the consumer.”
“The UK is the largest user of Basmati rice in the EU and so retailers want their customers to know that what they are buying is quality, authentic Basmati rice,” he said. “We hope the code will restore and uphold the reputation of this product.”
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