The GSO 1003/2012 standard, established by the GCC Standardization Organization (GSO), updates the GSO 1003/2006 and defines various rice types, including enriched and specific Basmati varieties, and categorizes defective kernels (e.g., heat-damaged, immature, chalky, red). It classifies rice by kernel length/width ratio or length, degrees of milling (under-milled, well-milled, extra-well-milled), and broken kernel sizes. The standard mandates strict requirements for cleanliness, freedom from contaminants, moisture content, hygiene, and limits for pesticides, toxins, radiation, and microbiological criteria. It also sets specific allowances for enriched rice vitamins/minerals, defective kernels, other rice types, and extraneous matter, with Basmati rice requiring at least 93% purity. Finally, it outlines guidelines for sampling, testing, packaging, transportation, storage, and labeling.
2012-05-16