Screening test for 'pure' basmati
for identifying adulteration in basmati rice, increasingly
important at a time when certain varieties are attracting premium
prices.
Researchers from Reading Scientific Services Ltd (RSSL) said that they had developed the screening method - which has been validated on all of the commercially available varieties - to allow both suppliers and consumers to have more confidence in the accuracy of product labelling.
The UK Food Standards Agency is currently campaigning for tighter controls on the purity of basmati rice sold as 'pure', and RSSL said that its screening method would give rice importers a quick and reliable means of authenticating their supplies.
Sixteen varieties of basmati rice have been defined by international agreement. RSSL's screening method is able to detect the presence of other rice varieties mixed with basmati, and to distinguish between the different varieties of basmati.
Since some varieties of basmati rice attract a premium price, and are labelled accordingly, the DNA screening method will help the industry to label its rice products accurately.
Dr Andrew Tingey, head of the molecular biology laboratory at RSSL, said: "During the development of this testing methodology we have been able to demonstrate that it is possible to source basmati rice that is free of contamination with other rice varieties.
"Although some mixing of rice species is permitted, those suppliers seeking to provide a premium product will welcome the assurance that this method gives in verifying that their supplies are 100 per cent pure."
