Four arrests in FSA’s rice fraud investigation

Four people have been arrested as part of an investigation into the distribution and sale of basmati rice in counterfeit packaging.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) said the operation demonstrates a commitment to protecting consumers from food crime and safeguarding the supply chain.  

Large quantities of 10-kilogram and 20-kilogram bags of mixed rice in counterfeit premium brand basmati packaging were seized. Basmati rice has a unique aroma and flavor, and cooking qualities make it a premium product. 

On July 23, action in Leicester involved the National Food Crime Unit (NFCU), local authorities, and Leicestershire Police. A 48-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of fraud by misrepresentation and conspiracy to defraud and released under investigation. 

One week later, NFCU officers, local authorities, the Metropolitan Police and Surrey Police, visited multiple premises in London.

A 56-year-old man and 51-year-old woman from Croydon, along with a 48-year-old man from Epsom, were arrested on suspicion of fraud by misrepresentation and conspiracy to defraud, before being released under investigation. 

A 52-year-old man from London also attended a police station for a voluntary interview. 

“The deliberate misrepresentation of legally imported bags of mixed rice as premium basmati products defrauds consumers and creates unfair competition for legitimate businesses. The arrests send a clear message that we will pursue those who seek to profit from deceiving consumers,” said Neil Castle, NFCU deputy head.

“There is no health risk to the public, however if you have concerns about a product you have purchased, contact your local trading standards.”

A recent project involving targeted surveillance sampling of retail food products found Basmati rice which contained more non-Basmati rice varieties than allowed.

The authenticity of 30 Basmati rice samples was checked and the compliance rate was 87 percent. Three samples failed because they exceeded the maximum 7 percent non-Basmati rice content specified in the British Retail Consortium’s Code of Practice. These samples contained 17 percent, 32 percent, and 100 percent non-Basmati varieties.

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