Revised December 1, 2002

Updated July 2005

UNITED STATES STANDARDS FOR ROUGH RICE

Note to the Subpart: Compliance with the provisions of these standards does not excuse failure to
comply with the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, or other Federal laws.
Source: 42 FR 40869, Aug. 12, 1977; 42 FR 64356, Dec. 23, 1977, unless otherwise noted.

TERMS DEFINED
§868.201 Definition of rough rice.
Rice (Oryza sativa L.) which consists of 50 percent or more of paddy kernels (see §868.202(i)) of
rice.

§868.202 Definition of other terms.

For the purposes of these standards, the following terms shall have the meanings stated below:

(a) Broken kernels. Kernels of rice which are less than three-fourths of whole kernels.
(b) Chalky kernels. Whole or large broken kernels of rice which are one-half or more chalky.
(c) Classes. The following four classes:

Long Grain Rough Rice

Medium Grain Rough Rice
Short Grain Rough Rice
Mixed Rough Rice

Classes shall be based on the percentage of whole kernels, large broken kernels, and types of rice.

(1) "Long grain rough rice" shall consist of rough rice which contains more than 25 percent of
whole kernels and which after milling to a well-milled degree, contains not more than 10 percent
of whole or broken kernels of medium or short grain rice.

(2) "Medium grain rough rice" shall consist of rough rice which contains more than 25 percent of
whole kernels and which after milling to a well-milled degree, contains not more than 10 percent
of whole or large broken kernels of long grain rice or whole kernels of short grain rice.

(3) "Short grain rough rice" shall consist of rough rice which contains more than 25 percent of
whole kernels and which, after milling to a well-milled degree, contains not more than 10 percent
of whole or large broken kernels of long grain rice or whole kernels of medium grain rice.

(4) "Mixed rough rice" shall consist of rough rice which contains more than 25 percent of whole
kernels and which, after milling to a well-milled degree, contains more than 10 percent of "other
types" as defined in paragraph (h) of this section.

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(d) Damaged kernels. Whole or broken kernels of rice which are distinctly discolored or damaged
by water, insects, heat, or any other means, and whole or large broken kernels of parboiled rice in
non-parboiled rice. "Heat-damaged kernels" (see paragraph (e) of this section) shall not function
as damaged kernels.

(e) Heat-damaged kernels. Whole or large broken kernels of rice which are materially discolored
and damaged as a result of heating, and whole or large broken kernels of parboiled rice in
nonparboiled rice which are as dark as, or darker in color than, the interpretive line for
heat-damaged kernels.

(f) Milling yield. An estimate of the quantity of whole kernels and total milled rice (whole and
broken kernels combined) that are produced in the milling of rough rice to a well-milled degree.

(g) Objectionable seeds. Seeds other than rice, except seeds of Echinochloa crusgalli (commonly
known as barnyard grass, watergrass, and Japanese millet).

(h) Other types. (1) Whole kernels of: (i) Long grain rice in medium or short grain rice, (ii)
medium grain rice in long or short grain rice, (iii) short grain rice in long or medium grain rice,
and (2) Large broken kernels of long grain rice in medium or short grain rice and large broken
kernels of medium or short grain rice in long grain rice.
Note: Broken kernels of medium grain rice in short grain rice and large broken kernels of short
grain rice in medium grain rice shall not be considered other types.

(i) Paddy kernels. Whole or broken unhulled kernels of rice.

(j) Red rice. Whole or large broken kernels of rice on which there is an appreciable amount of red
bran.

(k) Seeds. Whole or broken seeds of any plant other than rice.

(l) Smutty kernels. Whole or broken kernels of rice which are distinctly infected by smut.

(m) Types of rice. The following three types:

Long grain
Medium grain
Short grain

Types shall be based on the length/width ratio of kernels of rice that are unbroken and the
width, thickness, and shape of kernels of rice that are broken as prescribed in FGIS instructions.

(n) Ungelatinized kernels. Whole or large broken kernels of parboiled rice with distinct white or
chalky areas due to incomplete gelatinization of the starch.

(o) Whole and large broken kernels. Rice (including seeds) that (1) passes over a 6 plate (for
southern production), or (2) remains on top of a 6 sieve (for western production).

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(p) Whole kernels. Unbroken kernels of rice and broken kernels of rice which are at least
three-fourths of an unbroken kernel.

(q) 6 sieve. A metal sieve 0.032-inch thick, perforated with rows of round holes 0.0938
(6/64) inch in diameter.

(r) 6 plate. A laminated metal plate 0.142-inch thick, with a top lamina 0.051-inch thick,
perforated with rows of round holes 0.0938 (6/64) inch in diameter, and a bottom lamina
0.091-inch thick, without perforations.
[42 FR 40869, Aug. 12, 1977; 42 FR 64356, Dec. 23, 1977, as amended at 47 FR 34516, Aug.
10, 1982; 54 FR 21403, May 18, 1989; 54 FR 51344, Dec. 14, 1989]

PRINCIPLES GOVERNING APPLICATION OF STANDARDS

§868.203 Basis of determination.
The determination of seeds, objectionable seeds, heat-damaged kernels, red rice and damaged
kernels, chalky kernels, other types, color, and the special grade Parboiled rough rice shall be on
the basis of the whole and large broken kernels of milled rice that are produced in the milling of
rough rice to a well-milled degree. When determining class, the percentage of (a) whole kernels of
rough rice shall be determined on the basis of the original sample, and (b) types of rice shall be
determined on the basis of the whole and large broken kernels of milled rice that are produced in
the milling of rough rice to a well-milled degree. Smutty kernels shall be determined on the basis
of the rough rice after it has been cleaned and shelled as prescribed in FGIS instructions, or by any
method that is approved by the Administrator as giving equivalent results. All other
determinations shall be on the basis of the original sample. Mechanical sizing of kernels shall be
adjusted by handpicking as prescribed in FGIS instructions, or by any method that is approved by
the Administrator as giving equivalent results.
[42 FR 40869, Aug. 12, 1977; 42 FR 64356, Dec. 23, 1977, as amended at 47 FR 34516,
Aug.10, 1982; 54 FR 21403, May 18, 1989]

§868.204 Interpretive line samples.

Interpretive line samples showing the official scoring line for factors that are determined by visual
examinations shall be maintained by the Federal Grain Inspection Service, U.S. Department of
Agriculture, and shall be available for reference in all inspection offices that inspect and grade
rice.
[42 FR 40869, Aug. 12, 1977; 42 FR 64356, Dec. 23, 1977, as amended at 47 FR 34516,
Aug.10, 1982. Redesignated at 54 FR 21403, May 18, 1989]

§868.205 Milling requirements.

In determining milling yield (see§868.202(f)) in rough rice, the degree of milling shall be equal
to, or better than, that of the interpretive line sample for "well-milled" rice.
[42 FR 40869, Aug. 12, 1977. Redesignated at 54 FR 21413, May 18, 1989]

§868.206 Milling yield determination.

Milling yield shall be determined by the use of an approved device in accordance with procedures
prescribed in FGIS instructions. For the purpose of this paragraph, "approved device" shall

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include the McGill Miller No. 3 and any other equipment that is approved by the Administrator as
giving equivalent results.
Note: Milling yield shall not be determined when the moisture content of the rough rice exceeds
18.0 percent.
[42 FR 40869, Aug. 12, 1977; 42 FR 64356, Dec. 23, 1977, as amended at 47 FR 34516,
Aug.10, 1982; Redesignated and amended at 54 FR 21403, May 18, 1989]

§868.207 Moisture.
Water content in rough rice as determined by an approved device in accordance with procedures
prescribed in the FGIS instructions. For the purpose of this paragraph, "approved device" shall
include the Motomco Moisture Meter and any other equipment that is approved by the
Administrator as giving equivalent results.
[42 FR 40869, Aug. 12, 1977; 42 FR 64356, Dec. 23, 1977, as amended at 47 FR 34516, Aug.
10, 1982. Redesignated at 54 FR 21403, May 18, 1989; 54 FR 51344, Dec. 14, 1989]

§868.208 Percentages.
(a) Rounding. Percentages are determined on the basis of weight and are rounded as follows:

(1) When the figure to be rounded is followed by a figure greater than or equal to 5, round to the
next higher figure; e.g., report 6.36 as 6.4, 0.35 as 0.4, and 2.45 as 2.5.

(2) When the figure to be rounded is followed by a figure less than 5, retain the figure; e.g., report
8.34 as 8.3 and 1.22 as 1.2.

(b) Recording. All percentages, except for milling yield, are stated in whole and tenth percent to
the nearest tenth percent. Milling yield is stated to the nearest whole percent.
[54 FR 21403, May 18, 1989]

§868.209 Information.
Requests for the Rice Inspection Handbook, Equipment Handbook, or for information concerning
approved devices and procedures, criteria for approved devices, and requests for approval of
devices should be directed to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, GIPSA Federal Grain
Inspection Service, P.O. Box 96454, Washington, DC 20090-6454, or any field office or
cooperator.
[54 FR 21404, May 18, 1989]

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GRADES, GRADE REQUIREMENTS, AND GRADE DESIGNATIONS

§868.210 Grades and grade requirements for the classes of Rough Rice. (See also §868.212.)

Maximum limits of ---

Seeds and heat-damaged kernels Red rice and Chalky kernels Other Color
Grade damaged 1/ 2/
types requirements
3/ 1/
Heat-damaged kernels
Total kernels and Heat- (singly or In long In (percent) (minimum)
(singly or objectionable damaged combined) grain rice medium
combined) seeds kernels (percent) (percent) or short
(number in (singly or (number grain rice
500 grams) combined) in 500 (percent)
(number in grams)
500 grams)

U.S. No. 1 4 3 1 0.5 1.0 2.0 1.0 Shall be white

or creamy

U.S. No. 2 7 5 2 1.5 2.0 4.0 2.0 May be slightly

gray

U.S. No. 3 10 8 5 2.5 4.0 6.0 3.0 May be light

gray

U.S. No. 4 27 22 15 4.0 6.0 8.0 5.0 May be gray or

slightly rosy

U.S. No. 5 37 32 25 6.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 May be dark

gray or rosy

U.S. No. 6 75 75 75 15.0 4/ 15.0 15.0 10.0 May be dark

gray or rosy

U.S. Sample grade---

U.S. Sample grade shall be rough rice which: (a) does not meet the requirements for any of the grades from
U.S. No. 1 to U.S. No. 6, inclusive; (b) contains more than 14.0 percent moisture; (c) is musty, or sour, or
heating; (d) has any commercially objectionable foreign odor; or (e) is otherwise of distinctly low quality.
1/
For the special grade Parboiled rough rice, see §868.212(b).
2/
For the special grade Glutinous rough rice, see §868.212(d).
3/
These limits do not apply to the class Mixed Rough Rice.
4/
Rice in grade U.S. No. 6 shall contain not more than 6.0 percent of damaged kernels.
[56 FR 55978, Oct. 31, 1991]

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§868.211 Grade designation.

(a) The grade designation for all classes of rough rice, except Mixed Rough Rice, shall include in
the following order: (1) The letters "U.S."; (2) the number of the grade or the words "Sample
grade," as warranted; (3) the words "or better," when applicable and requested by the applicant
prior to inspection; (4) the class; (5) each applicable special grade (see §868.213); and (6) a
statement of the milling yield.

(b) The grade designation for the class Mixed Rough Rice shall include, in the following order:
(1) The letters "U.S."; (2) the number of the grade or the words "Sample grade," as warranted;
(3) the words "or better," when applicable and requested by the applicant prior to inspection;
(4) the class; (5) each applicable special grade (see §868.213); (6) the percentage of whole kernels
of each type in the order of predominance; (7) the percentage of large broken kernels of each type
in the order of predominance; (8) the percent of material removed by the No. 6 sieve or the No. 6
sizing plate; (9) when applicable, the percentage of seeds; and (10) a statement of the milling
yield.
Note: Large broken kernels other than long grain, in Mixed Rough Rice, shall be certificated as
"medium or short grain."
[42 FR 40869, Aug. 12, 1977, as amended at 54 FR 51344, Dec. 14, 1989]

SPECIAL GRADES, SPECIAL GRADE REQUIREMENTS, AND SPECIAL

GRADE DESIGNATIONS
§868.212 Special grades and requirements.
A special grade, when applicable, is supplemental to the grade assigned under §868.210. Such
special grades for rough rice are established and determined as follows:

(a) Infested rough rice. Tolerances for live insects for infested rough rice are defined according to
sampling designations as follows:

(1) Representative sample. The representative sample consists of the work portion, and the file
sample if needed and when available. The rough rice (except when examined according to
paragraph (a)(3) of this section will be considered infested if the representative sample contains
two or more live weevils, or one live weevil and one or more other live insects injurious to
stored rice or five or more other live insects injurious to stored rice.

(2) Lot as a whole (stationary). The lot as a whole is considered infested when two or more live
weevils, or one live weevil and one or more other live insects injurious to stored rice, or five or
more other live insects injurious to stored rice, or 15 or more live Angoumois moths or other live
moths injurious to stored rice are found in, on, or about the lot.

(3) Sample as a whole during continuous loading/unloading. The minimum sample size for rice
being sampled during continuous loading/unloading is 500 grams per each 100,000 pounds of
rice. The sample as a whole is considered infested when a component (as defined in FGIS
instructions) contains two or more live weevils, or one live weevil and one or more other live
insects injurious to stored rice, or five or more other live insects injurious to stored rice.

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(b) Parboiled rough rice. Parboiled rough rice shall be rough rice in which the starch has been
gelatinized by soaking, steaming, and drying. Grades U.S. No. 1 to U.S. No. 6 inclusive, shall
contain not more than 10.0 percent of ungelatinized kernels. Grades U.S. No. 1 and U.S. No. 2
shall contain not more than 0.1 percent, grades U.S. No. 3 and U.S. No. 4 not more than 0.2
percent, and grades U.S. No. 5 and U.S. No. 6 not more than 0.5 percent of nonparboiled rice. If
the rice is: (1) Not distinctly colored by the parboiling process, it shall be considered "Parboiled
Light"; (2) distinctly but not materially colored by the parboiling process, it shall be considered
"Parboiled"; (3) materially colored by the parboiling process, it shall be considered "Parboiled
Dark." The color levels for "Parboiled Light," "Parboiled," and "Parboiled Dark" rice shall be in
accordance with the interpretive line samples for parboiled rice.

Note: The maximum limits for "Chalky kernels," "Heat-damaged kernels," "Kernels damaged
by heat," and the "Color requirements" shown in §868.210 are not applicable to the special grade
"Parboiled rough rice."

(c) Smutty rough rice. Smutty rough rice shall be rough rice which contains more than 3.0 percent
of smutty kernels.

(d) Glutinous rough rice. Glutinous rough rice shall be special varieties of rice (Oryza sativa L.
glutinosa) which contain more than 50 percent chalky kernels. Grade U.S. No. 1 shall contain not
more than 1.0 percent of nonchalky kernels, grade U.S. No. 2 not more than 2.0 percent of
nonchalky kernels, grade U.S. No. 3 not more than 4.0 percent of nonchalky kernels, grade U.S.
No. 4 not more than 6.0 percent of nonchalky kernels, grade U.S. No. 5 not more than 10.0
percent of nonchalky kernels, and grade U.S. No. 6 not more than 15.0 percent of nonchalky
kernels.

Note: The maximum limits for "Chalky kernels" in §868.210 are not applicable to the special
grade "Glutinous rough rice."

(e) Aromatic rough rice. Aromatic rough rice shall be special varieties of rice (Oryza sativa L.
scented) that have a distinctive and characteristic aroma; e.g., basmati and jasmine rice.
[42 FR 40869, Aug. 12, 1977, as amended at 54 FR 21406, May 18, 1989; 56 FR 55978, Oct.
31, 1991; 58 FR 68016, Dec. 23, 1993]

§868.213 Special grade designation.

The grade designation for infested, parboiled, smutty, glutinous, or aromatic rough rice shall
include, following the class, the word(s) "Infested," "Parboiled Light," "Parboiled," "Parboiled
Dark," "Smutty," "Glutinous," or "Aromatic," as warranted, and all other information prescribed
in §§868.211.
[58 FR 68016, Dec. 23, 1993]