HANDBOOK OF

QUALITY CONTROL
V 24.01

Storage & Research (S&R) Division

Department of Food & Public Distribution
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Government of India

1
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

S.No. INDEX PAGE NO.

1. ACRONYMS 3
2. GLOSSARY 4-5
3. CHAPTER- 1 6-9
INTRODUCTION AND BRIEF HISTORY OF
STORAGE & RESEARCH DIVISION
4. CHAPTER- 2 10-12
TERMINOLOGY USED FOR FOODGRAINS
5. CHAPTER- 3 13-20
UNIFORM SPECIFICATIONS / FAIR AVERAGE
QUALITY (FAQ) NORMS OF FOODGRAINS
6. CHAPTER- 4 21-25
SAMPLING OF FOOD GRAINS

7. CHAPTER- 5 26-32
PROCEDURE FOR ANALYSIS OF FOODGRAINS

8. CHAPTER- 6 33-36
MECHANISM OF QUALITY CONTROL OF
FOODGRAINS DURING PROCUREMENT,
STORAGE AND DISTRIBUTION
9. CHAPTER- 7 37-39
RELAXATION IN UNIFORM SPECIFICATIONS/
FAQ NORMS OF FOODGRAINS
10. CHAPTER- 8 40
NORMS FOR THE STORAGE GAIN/LOSS IN
FOODGRAINS
11. CHAPTER- 9 41-44
PROTOCOL FOR MONITORING THE QUALITY OF
FOODGRAINS STOCK PROCURED UNDER
DECENTRALIZED PROCUREMENT SCHEME

12. CHAPTER- 10 45-48

FORTIFIED RICE
13. CHAPTER- 11 49
OUT TURN RATIO (OTR)
14. CHAPTER- 12 50-55
PROCEDURE FOR APPEALS
15. ANNEXURES
16. BIBLIOGRAPHY
17. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
****

2
 ACRONYMS
ACRONYMS DEFINITION / STANDS FOR
ATR Action Taken Report
BIS Bureau of Indian Standards
BRL Beyond Rejection Limit
CWC Central Warehousing Corporation
CoA Certificate of Analysis
DCP De-Centralized Procurement
FAQ Fair Average Quality
FIFO First In First Out
FPS Fair Price Shop
FSSAI Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
FR Fortified Rice
FRK Fortified Rice Kernel
IMD India Meteorological Department
ISO International Organization for Standardization
JTC Joint Technical Committee
MT Metric Ton
NABL National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration
Laboratories
OWS Other Welfare Schemes
PDS Public Distribution System
QA Quality Assurance
QC Quality Control
SAARC South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation
SOP Standard Operating Procedures
SWC State Warehousing Corporation
TPDS Targeted Public Distribution System
URS Under Relaxed Specifications

****

3
 GLOSSARY

Blending It is a test to validate the effective mixing of FRK and custom milled
Efficiency Test rice.
(BET)

Bulk Sample Quantity of grains obtained by combining & mixing the increments
taken from specific lot.

Code of practice Define/ laid down procedure to ensure safe foodgrain for public
distribution.

Consignment Physical quantity of grains dispatched or received at one time. It should

be considered in lots not exceeding 500 MT.

Food Any substance consumed to provide nutritional support for the body. It
is usually of plant or animal origin, and contains essential nutrients,
such as carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, or minerals. The
substance is ingested by an organism and assimilated by the organism’s
cells in an effort to produce energy, maintain life, or stimulate growth.

Food safety Assurance that food is acceptable for human consumption according to
its intended use.

Fortificants The nutrients added to the food for enrichment purpose.

Fortification The process of adding nutrients, such as micronutrients or

macronutrients, to food. It can be a commercial choice to provide extra
nutrients in a food, or sometimes it is a public health policy which aims
to reduce incidence of dietary deficiencies in a population.

FRK Artificially prepared kernels having ingredients of Fe, Folic Acid and
Vitamin B12 in specified quantity.

FR Fortified rice

Laden Term to describe a partly or completely full state, as for wagon, lorry,
barge or ship.
Increment Small equal quantity of grain taken from each individual sampling
point in the lot, throughout the full depth of the lot.
Lot A specific quantity of material produced in a process or series of
processes so that it is expected to be homogeneous within specified

4
 limits and time. In the case of continuous production, a lot may
correspond to a defined fraction of the production. A lot size may be
defined either by a fixed quantity or the amount produced in a fixed
time interval. A lot may also be a stated portion of the consignment
whose quality is to be assessed.

Quality Control A series of checks and control measures that ensures that a uniform-
(QC) quality food is produced.

Shelf life The length of time before a food product can be stored on a shelf or in
warehouses or retail outlets without any change in color, flavour,
texture, sensory parameters and / or microbial spoilage making it unfit
for consumption.

Standard Any manufacturing practice following accepted and approved

Operating operational steps/norms for that process.
Procedures (SOP)

Specification A brief description about the process or product followed by the list of
tests, references to analytical procedures, and appropriate acceptance
criteria which could be numerical limits, range or other criteria for the
tests described. It establishes the set of criteria to which a material
should conform to be considered acceptable for its intended use.
“Compliance to specification” means that the material, when tested
according to the listed analytical procedures, meets the listed
acceptance criteria.

Toxic Harmful to human, animal or plant health.

****

5
 CHAPTER -1

INTRODUCTION AND BRIEF HISTORY OF STORAGE &

RESEARCH DIVISION

1. The Food Department was established in December, 1942 under the Commerce
Member of the Governor General’s Council, which was later re-designated as the Ministry of
Food in 1947.

2. During 1951, the Ministry of Agriculture was combined with the Ministry of Food to
constitute the Ministry of Food & Agriculture, for greater administrative efficiency and
economy. Thereafter, in 1960, the Ministry was divided into two departments, namely the
Department of Food and the Department of Agriculture.

3. The Department of Food was given the responsibility of coordination, planning and
guidance of National Food Policy, procurement of foodgrains for civil and military
requirements, distribution of imported foodgrains to States and regulation of import and
export of foodgrains.

4. In 1965, through the Food Corporation Act, 1964, the Food Corporation of India
(FCI) was set up under the Department, when the country was facing a major shortage of
food grains, especially wheat.

5. In 2000, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs & Public Distribution was renamed as the
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, with two departments, namely the
Department of Food & Public Distribution and the Department of Consumer Affairs, which is
continuing till date.

6. The Storage and Research (S&R) Division functioning under the direct control of the
Department of Food & Public Distribution is engaged in the field of Post-Harvest
Management of foodgrains.

7. In 1978, through the decision of the Cabinet Secretariat, the S&R Division has been
mandated to monitor the quality aspects of foodgrains during the procurement, storage and
distribution handled by the Food Corporation of India and other agencies. The division also
addresses the complaints and representations received from the citizens seeking redressal of
their grievances about the quality of foodgrains.

6
8. At present, the S&R Division functions through its three sub-divisions to cover
various aspects of quality management of foodgrains at different levels.

S&R Division

IGMRIs QCCs CGAL

9. Indian Grain Storage Management and Research Institute (IGMRI): In 1958, to

develop modern storage techniques, Grain Storage Research and Training Centre was
established at Hapur (Uttar Pradesh), which was later renamed as "Indian Grain Storage
Management and Research Institute (IGMRI)” in 1996. It is headquartered in Hapur and has
two (2) field stations located at Hyderabad and Ludhiana. IGMRI and its two field stations
which have developed a code of practices for the scientific storage of foodgrains.

9.1 The IGMRI and its field stations are established for conducting intensive studies on
the problems of handling and storage of wheat, paddy, rice, millets, etc in different agro-
climatic zones of the country, predominantly suited to these commodities.

9.2 The institutes conduct applied Research & Development activities on various aspects
of post-harvest management of foodgrains. The quality of foodgrain is also monitored by
analyzing samples for physical parameters along with the analysis of contaminants, such as
pesticide residues and mycotoxins. The Laboratory at IGMRI Hapur has received NABL
accreditation as per ISO/IEC 17025:2017 since 2019.

9.3 To enhance the capacity building in the quality management of the foodgrains, long-
term and short-term training programs on scientific storage and inspection of foodgrains are
organized for the officers/personnel from various organizations viz. FCI, CWC, SWCs, State
Civil Supplies Corporations, Private sector etc; and persons engaged in pest control
operations.

10. Quality Control Cells (QCCs): At present, there are eleven Quality Control Cells
located at Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Lucknow, Pune, Patna,
Chennai and Guwahati with its headquarter at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi, functioning under
the S&R Division.

10.1 The main objective of these cells is to ensure that the quality of foodgrains is as per
the specifications prescribed by BIS, at the time of procurement, storage and distribution. The
7
officers of these cells conduct Periodic (Monthly) and Surprise inspections at Food Storage
Depots of FCI, CWC, SWCs, and the State agencies/Fair Price Shop (FPS)/Rice
Mills/Fortified Rice Kernel Manufacturing Units/Premix Manufacturing Units/Rail
head/Truck Head/Mandies/Procurement centre etc. These cells formulate various
policies/SoPs for the quality management of foodgrains. They also ensure that the
guidelines/instructions regarding proper storage, preservation and maintenance of foodgrains
are being followed by the procuring and storing agencies.

10.2 Further, these cells attend to various complaints received from the Elected
Representatives, VIPs, State Governments, media and consumers about the quality of
foodgrains. In addition to this, the DFPD may conduct surprise check to ensure the prescribed
level of micronutrients in Fortified rice at any stage to address any
complaints/grievances/references. Discrepancies/shortcomings noticed during inspection/
investigations are communicated to the concerned authorities for taking remedial measures
including action against the delinquents under intimation to the Ministry followed by a
deduction in the subsidy for quantity found unfit for the human consumption. In addition to
this, the DFPD may conduct surprise check to ensure the prescribed level of micronutrients

11. Central Grain Analysis Laboratory (CGAL): The Laboratory (CGAL) was
established in 1945 to cater to the need of analyzing samples of foodgrains. CGAL works as a
referral lab of India as well as SAARC member countries. Earlier, the laboratory was located
at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi till 2022 and is now re-located to National Test House
Premises, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh.

11.1 It is an appellate laboratory for testing of the physical parameters in foodgrains like
Wheat, Rice, Paddy, Bajra, Jowar, Millets & other grains for various procuring and
consuming agencies. It is also an authorized lab for CBI, SIT & Court case samples, and a
designated referral lab in case of disputes in acceptance of custom-milled rice consignment
between the FCI and the State agencies/ rice millers.

11.2 The CGAL is committed to ensure the quality and safety of the products tested in the
Laboratory and the main functions are as under:

a. Laying down quality standards and issuing Uniform Specification of foodgrains for
procurement under the central pool every year for Rabi Marketing Season (RMS) &
Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) keeping in view the interest of producers, consumers
and provisions under the Food Safety and Standards Act.

8
b. Classification and assessment of rice/paddy/wheat/coarse grain/ pulses varieties for
fixation of procurement and price issues.
c. Assessment of the quality of foodgrains that are imported and/or exported as per the
contractual specifications.
d. Assessment of the quality of foodgrains that are procured, stored and distributed by
the Food Corporation of India, CWC, SWC and Other State Agencies in DCP as well
as Non-DCP States.

****

9
 CHAPTER - 2

TERMINOLOGY USED FOR FOODGRAINS

In order to bring the uniformity, all the terms related to quality of foodgrains are
defined by Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) [IS 2813:1995 & IS 2813:2019: Terminology of
Food Grains] and which are being updated from time to time and is re-produced as under.

1. Foodgrains
Foodgrains shall be whole or broken kernels of cereals, millets and pulses meant for human
consumption.
1.1 Cereals: Foodgrains of monocotyledonous origin
1.2 Millets: Foodgrains of monocotyledonous origin and roundish in shape.
1.3 Pulses: Foodgrains obtained from legumes.
1.4 Dal or Dhal: Split halves of pulses with or without husk.

2. Refractions
All components in foodgrains which differ from sound grains.

2.1 Foreign Matter

Foreign Matter includes inorganic and organic matter. The inorganic matter shall include
sand, gravel, dirt, pebbles, stones, glass and metallic pieces, lumps of earth, clay and mud.
Organic matter shall include husk, chaff, straw, weed seeds and other inedible grains. Paddy
shall be considered as foreign matter in commodities other than paddy.

2.2 Other Foodgrains

Foodgrains other than the grain under consideration.

2.3 Varietal Admixture

The presence of a variety of the same grain other than the variety in consideration.

2.4 Shrivelled/Immature
Kernels or pieces of grain kernels that are not fully developed.

2.5 Brokens
Pieces of sound kernels that are less than three- fourth of the size of the full kernels.

2.5.1 Big brokens in rice

Those pieces of rice kernel which are smaller than three-fourths and upto one-half of the
average length of the unbroken kernel.
10
 2.5.2 Medium brokens in rice
Those pieces of rice kernels which are smaller than one-half and upto one-quarter the
average length of the unbroken kernel.

2.5.3 Small brokens in rice

Those pieces of rice kernels which are smaller than one-quarter the average length of the
unbroken kernel, retained on 1.10 mm IS Sieve.

2.5.4 Longitudinally broken grains in rice

Kernels or pieces of rice kernels that are split/broken lengthwise.

2.5.5 Bursted grains in rice

Kernels or pieces of rice kernels having developed cracks/rupture on the endosperm
during parboiling process.

2.6 Damaged
Kernels or pieces of kernels that are sprouted or internally damaged as a result of heat,
moisture, weather or microbes.

2.7 Pinpoint Damaged

Kernels or pieces of kernels having minute black spot of pin point size.

2.8 Discolored
Kernels or pieces of kernels that have changed the natural color as a result of deteriorative
changes superficially.

2.9 Insect Damaged Grains

Kernels that are partially or wholly bored or eaten by stored grain insect pests but do not
cover germ eaten grains.

2.10 Germ Eaten Grains

Kernels in which only germ part has been eaten/destroyed by stored grain insect pests.

2.11 Egg Spotted Grains

Kernels where insects have laid eggs glued to the outer surface of the grains and these are
visible in case of pulses.

2.12 Weeviled Grains

Weeviled grains are grain kernels that are partially or wholly bored by insects injurious to
grain but do not include germ-eaten grains and egg-spotted grains.
11
 2.13 Kernels with Husk
Kernels or pieces of kernels carrying husk on one-sixteenth or larger portions.

2.14 Dehusked Grains

Kernels, whole or broken which have more than one-fourth of the surface area of the kernel
covered with bran.

2.15 Slightly Damaged or Touched Grains

Kernels or pieces of kernels that are damaged or discolored, superficially so as not to affect
the quality of the material.

2.16 In case of rice, the following also constitute additional refractions.

2.16.1 Chalky
Kernels or pieces of kernels of which at least half the portion is opaque, milky white in
color and brittle in nature.

2.16.2 Red Grains

Kernels or pieces of kernels in which other than red varieties having more than one-
fourth of the surface covered with red cuticle.

2.16.3 Fragments
Pieces of kernels that are less than one-eighth of the size of the full kernels.

2.16.4 Degree of milling

Extent to which bran exclusive of germ portion is removed.

2.17 Test Weight (Hectolitre Weight)

The weight of hundred litres of the commodity after removal of foreign matter.

2.18 Dockage
Non-foodgrain material which is possible to remove by cleaning devices or by sieving through
an appropriate sieve.

2.19 Moisture
The loss in mass caused as a result of heating for two hours at 130ºC to 133ºC under specified
conditions and expressed as percentage.

****

12
 CHAPTER - 3

UNIFORM SPECIFICATIONS / FAIR AVERAGE QUALITY (FAQ)

NORMS OF FOODGRAINS

Every year, before the commencement of Rabi Marketing Season (RMS) and Kharif
Marketing Season (KMS), the Department of Food & Public Distribution (DFPD)
formulate/issues Uniform Specifications of foodgrains procured under central pool. All
procuring agencies are required to procure foodgrains strictly conforming to the Uniform
specifications.

1. Uniform Specification of Indian Wheat (All Varieties) For Rabi Marketing Season
(RMS 2024-25):

Wheat shall:
1. be the dried mature grains of Triticum vulgare, T. compactum, T. sphaerococcum, T.
durum, T. aestivum and T. dicoccum.
2. have natural size, shape, color and lustre.
3. be sweet, clean, wholesome and free from obnoxious smell, discoloration and
admixture of deleterious substances including toxic weed seeds & all other impurities
except to the extent indicated in the schedule below.
4. not have any admixture of Argemone mexicana and Lathyrus sativus (Khesari) in any
form, coloring matter, or any obnoxious, deleterious, and toxic material.
5. be in sound merchantable condition and the procurement of the foodgrain commodity
under central pool shall be carried out as per the schedule of specifications given
below.

SCHEDULE OF SPECIFICATION
Sl No. Refractions Maximum Limits (%)
1. Foreign matter 0.75
2. Other foodgrains 2.00
3. Damaged grains 2.00
4. Slightly damaged grains 4.00
5. Shrivelled & Broken grains 6.00
6. Weevilled grains 1.00
7. Moisture content 12.00
NOTE:
a) In case of deviation in Moisture content over 12% and up to 13%, the stock shall be
procured with a value cut of 1% on full value of MSP (1/100 x 1 x MSP) and for over

13
 12% and up to 14% shall be procured with a value cut of 2% on full value of MSP (
1/100 x 2 x MSP). Stocks containing moisture over 14% are to be rejected.
b) Within the overall limit specified for foreign matter, the poisonous weed seeds shall
not exceed 0.4% of which Dhatura and Akra (Vicia species) shall not be more than
0.025% and 0.2% by weight respectively.
c) Kernels with glumes will not be treated as unsound grains during physical analysis,
the glumes will be removed and treated as organic foreign matter.
d) Within the overall limit specified for damaged grains, ergot-affected grains shall not
exceed 0.05 %.
e) In case of stocks having a living infestation, a cut at the rate of Rs. 2 per quintal may
be charged as fumigation charges.
f) For weevilled grains determined by count, stocks containing weevilled grains in
excess of 1% will be rejected. The rate of cut for weevilled grains will be Rs. 2 per
quintal.

Method of Analysis: As given in Chapter 5.

Definitions of Refractions: As contained in Chapter 2.

2. Uniform Specification of Barley for Rabi Marketing Season (RMS 2023-24):

Barley shall:
1) be the dried mature grains of Hordeum vulgare.
2) have uniform size, shape and color.
3) be sweet, clean, wholesome, and free from obnoxious smell, discoloration, admixture
of deleterious substances & all other impurities except to the extent indicated in the
schedule below.
4) not have any admixture of Argemone mexicana and Lathyrus sativus (Khesari) in any
form, coloring matter, pesticide, or any obnoxious and toxic material.
5) be in sound merchantable condition and the procurement of the foodgrain commodity
under central pool shall be carried out as per the schedule of specifications given
below.
SCHEDULE OF SPECIFICATION

S. No. Refractions Maximum Limits (%)

1. Foreign matter 0.75
2. Other foodgrains 5.00
3. Damaged grains 3.00
4. Slightly damaged & touched grains 8.00
5. Immature & Shrivelled grains 8.00
14
 6. Weevilled grains 1.00
7. Moisture content 12.00

NOTE:
a) Within the overall limits of foreign matter, the poisonous weed seeds shall not exceed
0.5%, of which Dhatura and Akra (Vicia species) shall not be more than 0.025% and 0.2
% by weight respectively.
b) In case of deviation of Moisture content over 12% and up to 13%, the stock shall be
procured with a value cut of 1% on full value of MSP (1/100 x 1 x MSP) and for over
12% and up to 14% shall be procured with a value cut of 2% on full value of MSP (1/100
x 2 x MSP). Stocks containing moisture over 14% are to be rejected.
c) For weevilled grains determined by count, stocks containing weevilled grains over 1%
will be rejected. The rate of cut for weevilled grains will be Rs. 2 per quintal.
d) In case of stocks having a live infestation, a cut at the rate of Rs. 2 per quintal may be
charged as fumigation charges.

Method of Analysis: As given in Chapter 5.

Definitions of Refractions: As contained in Chapter 2.

3. Uniform Specification of Paddy (All Varieties) for Kharif Marketing Season (KMS
2023-24):

Paddy shall be in sound merchantable condition, dry, clean, uniform in color and size
of grains, and free from molds, weevils, obnoxious smell, Argemone mexicana, Lathyrus
sativus (Khesari) and admixture of deleterious substances. All Paddy varieties are classified
into two Grades i.e. ‘A’ and ‘Common’ based on the length and breadth ratio (L:B). If the
ratio is greater than & equal to 2.5, then, it is classified as Grade ‘A’ and if the ratio is less
than 2.5, then, it is classified as ‘Common’.

SCHEDULE OF SPECIFICATION

S .No Refractions Maximum Limit (%)

1. Foreign matter
a) Inorganic 1.0
b) Organic 1.0
2. Damaged, discolored, sprouted and weevilled 5.0*
grains
3. Immature, Shrunken and shrivelled grains 3.0
4. Admixture of lower class 6.0
5. Moisture content 17.0
* Damaged, sprouted and weevilled grains should not exceed 4%.

15
NOTE:
a) The definitions of the above refractions are to be followed as per Chapter 2 and
method of analysis as per Chapter 5.
b) The method of sampling is to be followed as per Chapter 4.
c) Within the overall limit of 1.0% for foreign matter the poisonous seeds shall not
exceed 0.5% of which Dhatura and Akra seeds (Vicia species) are not to exceed
0.025% and 0.2% respectively.

4. Uniform Specification of Grade ‘A’ & ‘Common’ Rice for Kharif Marketing Season
(KMS 2023-24):

Rice shall be in sound merchantable condition, sweet, dry, clean, wholesome, uniform
in color and size of grains. Rice shall also be free from molds, weevils, obnoxious smell, an
admixture of unwholesome poisonous substances, Argemone mexicana and Lathyrus
sativus (Khesari) in any form, or coloring agents & all impurities except to the extent in the
schedule below.
SCHEDULE OF SPECIFICATION

Maximum Limit (%)

S.No Refractions
Grade ‘A’ Common
Raw 25.0 25.0
1. Broken* Parboiled/single parboiled
16.0 16.0
rice
Raw / Parboiled / single
2. Foreign Matter** 0.5 0.5
parboiled rice
Damaged # / Raw 3.0 3.0
3. Slightly Damaged Parboiled/ single parboiled
4.0 4.0
Grains rice
Raw 3.0 3.0
4. Discolored Grains Parboiled/ single parboiled
5.0 5.0
rice
5. Chalky Grains Raw 5.0 5.0
Raw/Parboiled/Single
6. Red Grains 3.0 3.0
parboiled rice
Admixture of Raw/Parboiled/Single
7. 6.0 NA
lower class parboiled rice
Raw/Parboiled/Single
8. Dehusked Grains 13.0 13.0
parboiled rice
Raw/Parboiled/Single
9. Moisture content @ 14.0 14.0
parboiled rice
FRK (Fortified In case of procurement of fortified rice stock, 1% of FRK
10.
Rice Kernel)@@ (w/w) should be blended with normal rice stock.
* Not more than 1% by weight shall be small broken.

16
** Not more than 0.2% by weight shall be mineral matter and not more than 0.10% by weight shall be
impurities of animal origin.
# Including pinpoint damaged grains.
@ Rice (both Raw & Parboiled/Single Parboiled) can be procured with moisture content up to a maximum limit
of 15% with value cut. There will be no value cut up to 14%. Between 14% to 15% moisture, a value cut will be
applicable at the rate of full value.
@@ Blending ratio may vary from a range 0.9 to 1.20% by weight in fortified rice subject to satisfying the
prescribed micronutrient level as per the CoA of FRK.
NOTE:
a) The definitions of the above refractions are to be followed as per Chapter 2 and
method of analysis as per Chapter 5.
b) The method of sampling is to be followed as per Chapter 4.
c) Brokens (Broken Rice) less than 1/8th of the size of full kernels will be treated as
organic foreign matter. For determination of the size of the broken average length of
the principal class of rice should be taken into account.
d) Inorganic foreign matter shall not exceed 0.2% in any lot, if it is more, the stocks
should be cleaned and brought within the limit. Kernels or pieces of kernels having
mud sticking on the surface of rice shall be treated as Inorganic foreign matter.
e) In the case of rice prepared by pressure parboiling technique, it will be ensured that
the correct process of parboiling is adopted i.e. with application of pressure. Proper
gelatinization, aeration, and drying before milling should be done so that parboiled
rice is free from encrustation of the grains.

5. Standards of rice for issue to State Governments/UT Administrations for distribution

under TPDS and Other Welfare Schemes (OWS)
SCHEDULE OF SPECIFICATION
S.No Refractions Maximum limit Maximum
(%) as per permissible
uniform limit (%) for
specifications Grade ‘A’ &
for Grade ‘A’ Common
& Common
(At the time of (At the time of
procurement) distribution)
Damaged/Slightly Raw 3 5
Damaged/Pin-
1. Parboiled/Single
point Damaged 4 5
Parboiled Rice
Grains
Raw 3 7
2. Discolored Grains Parboiled/Single
5 7
Parboiled Rice
3. Broken Raw 25 30

17
 Parboiled/Single
16 19
Parboiled Rice
4. Chalky Grains Raw 5 5
Raw/Parboiled/Single
5. Red Grains 3 4
Parboiled Rice
Raw/Parboiled/Single
6. Dehusked Grains 13 16
Parboiled Rice
Raw/Parboiled/Single
7. Foreign Matter 0.5 1.0
Parboiled Rice

6. Uniform Specification of Maize for Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2023-24:

6.1 The matured grain of maize (Zea mays) shall be in the dried form. The grains shall
have a uniform size, color, shape and be in sound merchantable condition. The procurement
of the foodgrain commodity under central pool shall be carried out as per the schedule of
specifications given below.

6.2 Maize grains shall be sweet, hard, clean, wholesome, and free from Argemone
mexicana and Lathyrus sativus (Khesari) in any form, coloring matter, molds weevils,
obnoxious smell, an admixture of deleterious substances, and all other impurities except to
the extent indicated in the schedule below:

SCHEDULE OF SPECIFICATION

S. No. Refractions Maximum Limits (%)

1. Foreign matter* 1.0
2. Other foodgrains 2.0
3. Damaged grains 1.5
4. Slightly damaged, discolored and touched grains 4.5
5. Shrivelled & Immature grains 3.0
6. Weevilled grains 1.0
7. Moisture content 14.0
* Not more than 0.25% by weight shall be mineral matter and not more than 0.10% by weight shall be
impurities of animal origin.
NOTE
a) The definitions of the above refractions are to be followed as per Chapter 2 and
method of analysis as per Chapter 5.
b) The method of sampling is to be followed as per Chapter 4.
c) Within the overall limit of 1.0% for foreign matter, the poisonous seeds shall not
exceed 0.5% of which Dhatura and Akra Seeds (Vicia species) are not to exceed
0.025% and 0.2% respectively.
d) The small-sized maize grains, if the same are otherwise fully developed, should not
be treated as shrivelled and immature grains.

18
7. Uniform Specification of Ragi for Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2023-24:
7.1 The Ragi grains shall be dried matured grains of Eleusine coracana. The grains shall
have a uniform size, shape and shall be in sound merchantable condition. The procurement of
the foodgrain commodity under central pool shall be carried out as per the schedule of
specifications given below.

7.2 Ragi shall be sweet, hard, clean, wholesome, and free from molds, weevils, obnoxious
smell, Argemone mexicana and Lathyrus sativus (Khesari) in any form, coloring matter, an
admixture of deleterious substances, and all other impurities except to the extent indicated in
the schedule below:

SCHEDULE OF SPECIFICATION

S. No Refractions Maximum Limits (%)

1. Foreign matter* 1.0

2. Other foodgrains 1.0
3. Damaged grains 1.0
4. Slightly damaged grains 2.0
5. Moisture content 12.0
* Not more than 0.25% by weight shall be mineral matter and not more than 0.10% by weight shall be
impurities of animal origin.
NOTE
a) The definitions of the above refractions are to be followed as per Chapter 2 and
method of analysis as per Chapter 5.
b) The method of sampling is to be followed as per Chapter 4.
c) Within the overall limit of 1.0% for foreign matter, the poisonous seeds shall not
exceed 0.5% of which Dhatura and Akara seeds (Vicia species) are not to exceed
0.025% and 0.2% respectively.
d) Kernels with husk will not be treated as unsound grains. During physical analysis, the
husk will be removed and treated as organic foreign matter.

8. Uniform Specifications for Minor Millets for Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2023-
24:

The Uniform Specification of minor millets, namely i.e. Foxtail Millet

(Kangani/Kakun), Proso Millet (Chena), Kodo Millet (Kodo), Little Millet (Kutki) and two
Pseudo Millets; Buck-wheat (Kuttu) and Amaranthus (Chaulai) for procurement in Central
pool is as stated below.

19
 SCHEDULE OF SPECIFICATION

S.No Refractions Maximum Limit

1. Moisture Content (for whole grains and 13.0 % by weight
dehulled grain)
2. Extraneous Matter Not more than 1.0 % by weight,
of which not more than 0.25 %
by weight shall be mineral
matter and not more than 0.10
% by weight, shall be impurities
of animal origin.
3. Other edible grains 2.0% (by weight)
4. Grains with serious defects. (Grain in which 1.0% (by weight)
the cotyledon has been affected or attacked
by pests; grains with very slight traces of
mold or decay; or cotyledon staining.)
5. Grains with slight defects. (Grains which 7.0% (by weight)
have not reached normal development; grains
with extensive seed coat staining, without the
cotyledon being affected; grains in which the
seed coat is wrinkled, with pronounced
folding or broken grain)
6. Weevilled Grains 4% (by count)
7. Immature and Shrivelled grains 5.0% (by weight)
8. Uric acid 100 mg/kg

NOTE:
This standard applies to the whole or dehulled millets, which shall be free from
poisonous, toxic, noxious, or obnoxious seeds and added coloring matter, rodent hair and
excreta.

****

20
 CHAPTER -4

SAMPLING OF FOODGDRAINS

Drawing of representative samples is an important and essential part of grain analysis.

Samples drawn should be representative of entire stack. The Method of sampling mentioned
in this chapter is in accordance to the Bureau of Indian Standard “Method of sampling of
Cereals and Pulses” No IS 14818: 2000 (as amended from time to time) & is reproduced as
under:

1. General Principles:
1.1 At the time of procurement, samples should be taken jointly by representatives of the
buyer and seller. However, at the time of storage /dispatch of the stock, sampling should be
done in the presence of custodian of the stock.
1.2 Samples shall be as representative as possible of the lots from which they are taken.
The composition of a lot is seldom uniform, therefore, a sufficient number of increments shall
be taken and carefully mixed, thus giving a bulk sample from which the laboratory samples
are obtained by successive divisions or otherwise.
1.3 Grains which are sea damaged or otherwise damaged in transit, or is out of condition
are to be kept separate from the sound grain and are sampled separately. Samples of unsound
material shall not be mixed with samples of sound material and shall be identified and
quantified.
1.4 Special care is necessary to ensure that all sampling apparatus is clean, dry and free
from foreign odours.
1.5 Sampling shall be carried out in such a manner as to protect the samples, sampling
instruments and containers in which the samples are placed, from contamination from rain,
dust, etc. If walking on grain cannot be avoided, precautions in the form of protective
clothing should be worn to prevent contamination of the grain.

2. Method of taking samples:

Unless otherwise specified in the contract, consignments shall be considered in lots of
a maximum of 500 tonnes or such part thereof as constitute a single consignment.

2.1 Sampling from bags: Unless otherwise specified in the contract or unless the practice
at the port or elsewhere requires otherwise, increments shall be taken from different parts of a
bag( for example top, middle and bottom) by means of a sack/bag spear from the number of
bags specified in Table given below:

21
 Number of bags to be sampled

Number of bags in consignment Number of bags to be sampled

Upto 10 Each bag

10 to 100 10 taken at random
More than 100 Square root (approx.) of total number, taken
according to a suitable sampling scheme.

Pre-packed units are usually transported in outer cases or cartons containing a convenient
number of units. The procedure applicable to bags shall be used to determine the
appropriate number of outer cases or cartons to be samples. If the total number of outer
cases or cartons in the consignments does not exceed 1000, only one prepacked unit shall
be taken from each of the outer cases taken for sampling. Care shall be taken to ensure
that a pre-packed unit is taken in a random manner from the entire contents of the outer
case or carton for sampling.
The selection of pre-packed units occupying the same corresponding position in a number
of outer cases or cartons shall be avoided. The pre-packed units taken in this manner shall
be considered as increments.

2.2 Sampling from rail or road wagons, Lorries, barges or ships

2.2.1 Unless otherwise specified in the contract, each laden wagon, lorry, barge or ship
shall be sampled.
2.2.2 Increments shall be taken throughout the whole depth of the lot as per patterns given
below.
(a) Up to 15 MT- 5 sampling points,

* *
*
* *

(b) From 15 to 30 MT- 8 sampling points

* * *
* *
* * *

22
 (c) From 30 to 500 MT.- Minimum of 11 sampling points

* * * *
* * *
* * * *

(d) More than 500 MT- Take the square root, divide by 2 and round up to next whole
number.

If the type of wagon, vessel or commodity does not allow samples to be taken in this manner,
or if there is a separate agreement between the buyer and seller, the sampling of grains shall
done during discharge of the wagon/vessel.

2.3 Sampling from silos, bins or warehouses:

2.3.1 Increments shall be taken throughout the whole depth of the lot. A suitable instrument
must be used to achieve this requirement.
2.3.2 If the depth of the lot does not permit use of this method, sampling should be carried
out from the flowing cereal in accordance with ISO 6644 (refer Page no. 62).
2.3.3 The grain should be sampled using a grid system (as mentioned in 2.2.2)
2.3.4 The number of increments to be taken shall be determined by taking the square root of
the tonnage in the static bulk. Divide by two and round up to the next number. This is the
minimum number of increments that is to be obtained. For examples more than 1000, 2000,
4000, 6000, 8000 &10,000MT, the number of increments would be 16.23,32,39,45 and 50
respectively.
3. Bulk sample:

The bulk sample shall be formed by combining the increments and mixing them thoroughly.

4. Laboratory sample:
4.1 Division of bulk sample: Divide the bulk sample to obtain the required number of
laboratory samples by coning and quartering or by using one of the sample dividers.
4.2 Number of samples: The number of laboratory samples to be taken for analysis and
arbitration shall be specified in the contract or otherwise agreed between the parties
concerned.
4.3 Size of sample: The size of the laboratory samples will be determined by the type and
requirements of the tests to be undertaken. Generally it is minimum of 1 kg (3kg for milled
products).
5. Packaging and labeling of samples:
23
5.1 Packaging of samples: The laboratory samples shall be packed in
containers/polythene bags suitable for the purpose, bearing in mind the tests to be undertaken.
The containers, Polythene bags shall be completely filled and the closer shall be sealed to
prevent loosing or tempering.
5.2 Labels for samples: If paper labels (Sample Slip) are used for the samples, they shall
be of a suitably high quality for the purpose. If there are eyelet holes on the labels, these shall
be reinforced. If the grain has high moisture content, then special moisture-resistant labels
shall be used. A duplicate label may be included in the sample container provided that the
sample is not intended for the determination of moisture content or the content of some other
ingredients. The information written on the labels or directly on the bags, shall be indelibly
marked, using a marker which will not cause any odour in the sample. The information shall
include the following:
(a) Origin of the product.
(b) Identification number of ship, wagon or lorry.
(c) Point of departure.
(d) Date and point of receiving (if applicable).
(e) Destination.
(f) Date of arrival at the destination,
(g) Quantity of consignment
(h) Bulk, or bagged (including number of bags)
(i) Type of goods
(j) Lot number
(k) Name of seller
(l) Name of buyer
(m) Contract number and date.
(n) Date of sampling
(o) Date of final discharge
(p) Place and point of sampling
(q) Name of person who carried out sampling
(r) Reason for sampling
(s) Number of duplicate sample taken.

6. Dispatch of samples:
Laboratory samples shall be dispatched as soon as possible, or at time to be fixed in the
contract. Whenever possible, samples should be kept and transported at a temperature below
15 degree Celsius, out of direct sunlight and in a non-humid location.

24
7. Sampling report:
If a sampling report is prepared, besides giving the usual information it shall make reference
to the condition of the grain sampled, including signs of insect, mite or rodent infestation
visible at the time of sampling in the warehouse or silo, or during work carried out on the
vessel or the other carrier during sampling.
***

25
 CHAPTER – 5
PROCEDURE FOR ANALYSIS OF FOODGRAINS

Foodgrain samples are analyzed for physical parameters by following the procedure
given in the BIS standards i.e. IS 4333(Part 1):2018 and IS 4333(Part 2): 2017 and which are
being updated from time to time and is re-produced as under:

1. Determination of Moisture Content

a) Place a clean, dry aluminum dish in a hot air oven and allow to dry it for about two
hours. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool in a desiccator.
b) Weigh the empty cooled dish and place about 5gm of the sample in it. Weigh nearest
to mg of the weight in a Precision balance with readability of at least 1 mg.
c) Place the dish with sample, after removing the cover in a Hot Air Oven, which has
been previously maintained at 130-1330C for 2 hours.
d) Replace the cover and place the dish in desiccators and allow cooling.
e) Weigh the dish, nearest to the mg and record the weights.
f) The process has to be repeated till linearity is observed

Calculation:

Moisture % =

Where W= Weight of the empty dish

W1= Weight of the dish with sample before drying
W2= Weight of the dish with sample after drying

2. Visual Examination
Examine the test sample as a whole for its general condition, including odour and
infestation and report whether the sample is wholesome, clean, dry and in sound marketable
condition. Examine the sample for any deleterious material hazardous to human health
rendering the grain inedible.

3. Determination of Foreign Matter

3.1. For foodgrains other than rice and millets, weigh about 500g of the test sample and
record the prescribed mass. In the case of rice and millets a test sample of about 250 g should
be taken.

3.2. The mass of the sample should be recorded. Pour the quantity over the set of sieves
arranged in a way so that the sieve with the largest perforations comes at the top and those
26
with smaller perforations are placed in the order of their sizes. Then agitate the sample
thoroughly to strain out the foreign matter at various levels. As a result of this straining, other
foodgrains and foreign matter like bolder pieces of clay, chaff etc would remain on the first
three sieves according to their sizes. The topmost sieve would contain bold grains, big pieces
of clay and other big sized foreign matter, while the lower sieve would contain smaller,
shriveled and badly insect infested grains and smaller foreign matter. Separate the sieves after
straining and pick up all foreign matter by hand or forceps from each of them and add it to
the foreign matter collected on the bottom pan. Weigh the total foreign matter of the bottom
pan and calculate the percentage.

4. Refractions other than Foreign Matter and insect damaged grains

4.1. Mix the contents of the four sieves free of any foreign matter together and spread out
evenly on flat smooth surface in a circular layer of about 6mm-10mm thickness. From this
spread, take exactly the specified quantity required for analysis for the grains under test
(Table 4.1) from different sides and the middle (at least 9 places) by means of small scoops as
shown in Figure below.

4.2. Place the weighed quantity on an enamelled plate. Then pick out with the help of a
magnifying glass, if necessary, various items of refractions, other than foreign matter, in the
order given in table 4.2, care being taken that each refraction is accounted for only once.
Separate those refractions from the weighed sample and weigh on the physical balance.
Calculate the percentage of various individual refractions separately on the quantity taken for
actual analysis.

4.3. For the refractions other than foreign matter in rice, carry out the analysis in duplicate
and report their average.

27
Table 4.1 - Quantity of sample to be taken for determining refraction other than
Foreign Matter as per IS 4333(Part 1):2018 and IS 17780:2021*
Sl No. Foodgrain Mass (in g), Min
i. Wheat 50
ii. Maize 50
iii. Paddy 25
iv. * Fortified Rice (refer to page 25-50
62)
v. Barley 50
vi. Gram 50
vii. Other pulses 25
viii. Millets 20

Table 4.2 - Order in which refractions should be separated from the weighed sample as
per IS 4333(Part 1):2018
S.No Refractions
i. Other foodgrains
ii. Damaged
iii. Discolored
iv. Weevilled grains
v. Insect damaged
vi. Fragments
vii. Broken
viii. Chalky (in case of rice)
ix. Red Grain
x. Kernels with husk
xi. Shrivelled or immature
xii. Varietal admixture
xiii. Pin point damaged
xiv. Germ eaten grain
xv. Egg spotted grains

5. Insect Damaged Grains/ Weevilled Grains

5.1 For Bigger size grains
From the sieved sample after sieving foreign matter, measure 20ml of the
representative sample with the help of a measuring cylinder. Place the measured sample on a
sample plate and count the total number of grain kernels. The insect damaged/weevilled
grains shall be picked out separately and counted. The insect damaged grains/weevilled
present in the sample shall be calculated as follows:
Insect damaged/weevilled grains, % by number =

28
5.2 For smaller sized grains
There are two methods and either of them could be used. The method used shall be
declared while reporting the result.
5.2.1 Volumetric method
From the sieved sample after sieving foreign matter measure 20ml of the
representative sample with the help of a measuring cylinder. Place the measured sample in a
sample plate and pick up the Insect damaged/ weevilled grains separately. Measure its
volume in the same measuring cylinder which was used for measuring the representative
sample and calculate as follows:
Insect damaged/weevilled grains, % by volume=

5.2.2 Weight Method

From out of the sieved sample after sieving foreign matter, weigh accurately 20g of the
representative sample in a chemical balance with a least count of 0.1mg. Carefully transfer
the sample to a sample plate and separate the Insect damaged/ weevilled grains and weigh it
accurately in the sample chemical balance. Care shall be taken while doing the experiment to
avoid any external factors like strong wind etc. affecting the experiment, the calculation shall
be done as follows:
Insect damaged/weevilled grain, % by mass=

6. Determination of Dehusked Grains

The definition of the above refractions and method of analysis are to be followed as
given in the Bureau of Indian Standard “Method of analysis for Foodgrains” No’s IS 4333
(Part-I):2018 & IS 4333 (Part- II): 2017 and “Terminology for Foodgrains” IS 2813-2019 as
amended from time to time. Dehusked grains are rice kernels whole or broken which have
more than ¼th of the surface area of the kernel covered with the bran and determined as
follows:

6.1 Analysis Procedure:

Take 5 grams of rice (sound head rice and broken) in a petri dish (80×70 mm). Dip
the grains in about 20 ml of Methylene Blue solution (0.05% by weight in distilled water) and
allow about one minute. Decant the Methylene Blue solution. Give a swirl wash with about

29
 20 ml of dilute hydrochloric acid (5% solution by volume in distilled water). Give a swirl
wash with water and pour about 20 ml. of Metanil Yellow solution (0.05% by weight in
distilled water) on the blue stained grains and allow to stand for about one minute. Decant the
effluent and wash it with fresh water twice. Keep the stained grains under fresh water and
count the dehusked grains. Count the total number of grains in 5 grams of sample under
analysis. Three broken are counted as one whole grain.

6.2 Calculations:
Percentage of Dehusked grains =

N = Number of dehusked grains in 5 grams of sample

W= Total grains in 5 grams of sample.

7. Determination of Age of Milled Raw Rice

As per the policy of Govt. of India for acceptance of rice in the central pool,
consignments are accepted from the State Government Agencies as well as Rice Millers. As
per the instructions, a uniform-size of lot i.e. 29 MT (580 bags) is offered by the millers at
depot points. The consignments are accepted after necessary analysis as per the procedure
stipulated under IS 4333 with up-to-date amendments. Further, mixed indicator test is
conducted for determination of age of milled raw rice stocks.

7.1 Implementation & Method of analysis:

As per instructions in vogue, a sample shall be drawn from the offered consignment
and analyzed in terms of FAQ specifications of DFPD. If it is found to conform to the
prescribed specifications, the samples will be tested through the Mixed Indicator Method. In
case the color of the reagent turns out to be green/avocado green, the consignment would be
accepted and any other color like yellow, yellow orange & orange would be rejected terming
the stock as 'Not freshly Milled'.

7.2 Materials &Equipment:

(A) Glassware:
1. Volumetric flasks, amber colored 2 no's of 200ml each
2. Graduated measuring Cylinder (100ml)
3. Beaker
4. Test tube with stopper (5 no. of 25 ml)

30
 5. Glass stirrer
6. Measuring pipette (2ml)
(B) Apparatus:
1. Balance with 0.01gram accuracy
2. Test tube rack
(C) Chemical Reagents:
1. Methyl red, analytic reagent (0.05 gram/depot)
2. Bromothymol blue, analytic reagent (0.15 gram/depot)
3. Ethyl alcohol, Absolute Grade (75 ml/ depot)
4. Distilled water (10.00 litre)

7.3 Preparation of stock solution:

1. Weigh 0.05 grams of methyl red and 0.15 grams of bromothymol blue.
2. Dissolve the above indicators in 75 ml ethyl alcohol and add distilled water to make
100 ml.
3. Store in a cool and dark place and in an amber-colored flask.

7.4 Preparation of a working solution:

Take an aliquot of stock solution and dilute it with distilled water in a volume ratio of
1:50. The prepared solution preferably is to be consumed on the same or the next day.
Accordingly, a working solution is to be prepared keeping in view the number of raw rice
samples to be tested.

7.5 Procedure for staining method using pH indicators (working solution):

1. Weigh 5 grams of the raw rice sample.
2. Place the sample in the test tube.
3. Add 10 ml of pH indicator (working solution) and shake well for one minute.
4. Note the resulting color of the solution (whether green/avocado green/yellow/yellow-
orange/orange).

7.6 Interpretation of Test Results:

Color Change As per standards Result
Green Freshly milled Accepted
Samples subjected to Avocado Green stocks
mixed Yellow Old Stock Not to be
indicator method Yellow Orange accepted
Orange

31
7.7 Precaution:
1. Keep away the chemicals from the face due to the volatile nature of alcohol.
2. Avoid contact with the chemicals from the eye, nose, and skin.

Appeal Procedure:
Normal appeal procedure would be followed in case of rejection of consignment through this
method.

Color Coding for different age groups of rice:

Illustration of color Age of Rice in Months The resulting color of the
coding in above figure Solution
(A) 0 Month Green
(B) 1 Month Avocado Green
2 Months Avocado Green
(C) 3 Months Yellow
(D) 4 Months Yellow-Orange
(E) 5 Months Orange
6 Months Orange

****

32
 CHAPTER - 6

MECHANISM OF QUALITY CONTROL OF FOODGRAINS DURING

PROCUREMENT, STORAGE AND DISTRIBUTION

1. PROCUREMENT

1.1 The Uniform Specifications are circulated to the Food Corporation of India (FCI), all
the State Governments and their agencies with the instructions to ensure that the foodgrains
should be procured strictly conforming to these Uniform Specifications only.

1.2 The State Governments/the FCI shall facilitate the purchase/procurement centers with
the following essential facilities/equipment to ensure the quality of the foodgrains that are
being procured:

(a) Infrastructure Facilities:

 Electric fans/ Jharnas for cleanings.
 Tarpaulin sheets for drying.
 Wooden crates to avoid moisture transmission.
 Polythene covers to protect from unseasonal rain etc.
 Polythene/cloth bags for sampling.

(b) Quality Test Equipment:

 Duly calibrated moisture meters.
 Analysis Kit (Poker, Sample divider, Weigh balance, Sieve set, Enamel plate, scoop
etc).

1.3 The quality of gunnies used for packing of foodgrains along with color coding
(Blue/Green/Red) of gunny bags to facilitate the identification of respective crop year of
stock (for example BLUE color coding for gunny bags for RMS 2024-25 as issued by the
Policy Division of DFPD vide letter No.-15(1)/2012-Py-III (367559) dated 26.09.2023)
should also be checked. The Quality Control Officers of the FCI and the State Governments
shall monitor the quality of foodgrains at the time of procurement.

2. STORAGE

2.1 The procured foodgrains are to be stored as per the following Scientific Code of
Practices for safe storage of foodgrains:

a) Godowns shall be constructed on the scientific lines as prescribed by BIS standard IS

16144:2014 (refer Page No. 62).
33
 b) Before the stocks are stored, the godowns are to be cleaned.
c) Stacks lines are to be provided in each godowns for stacking.
d) Dunnage materials, such as wooden crates, bamboo mats, polythene sheets are used
during storage to check the migration of moisture from floor.
e) The floors and walls of the godowns are to be treated with Malathion 50% EC to
check the insect infestation before storage of foodgrains.
f) Regular identification & repair of all the leakage/seepage points, cleaning of
drainages in the godown premises and rat control measures.
g) Prophylactic (spraying of insecticides) and curative treatments (fumigation) are to be
carried out in godowns for the control of stored grain insect pests.
h) Inspections of the stocks/godowns shall be undertaken by a qualified and trained
personnel.
i) The principle of "First In First Out" (FIFO) is to be followed to the extent possible so
as to avoid longer storage of foodgrains.

2.2 The Quality Control Officers of the FCI and the State Agencies shall monitor the
quality of foodgrains on regular basis. The details of the inspections and remedial measures
are to be displayed on the Stack-Card of each stack (Fig 5.1). If any upgradeable/damaged
foodgrain stocks are noticed by the concerned agency, the State Government shall
immediately constitute a Joint Technical Committee (JTC) under District Manager or any
officer as decided by the State Government and shall include two representatives of FCI.
Area Manager of FCI will nominate such representative (refer Annexure-I at Page No.56).

2.3 The JTC will check the quality of such stocks and if the stocks are found to be non-
issuable, then, it will decide whether the stocks are upgradable or damaged. The JTC will
submit its report to the Competent Authority (i.e. GM, FCI of concerned region) for further
necessary action (refer Annexure-I at Page No.56)

34
 SAMPLE COPY

SAMPLE COPY

Fig: 5.1 Stack card.

3. DISTRIBUTION
3.1. The State Governments/Union Territory Administrations and the FCI shall follow the
following instructions to ensure supply of good quality foodgrains under the TPDS and
OWS:
a) Only good quality foodgrains, free from insect infestation and conforming to Food
Safety Standards are to be issued under TPDS and other welfare schemes.
b) The State Government/UT Administration has to inspect the stocks prior to the
lifting of the same from the FCI godowns.
c) Samples of foodgrains are to be collected from foodgrains stocks to be issued
under TPDS jointly by the FCI and the State Government/UT Administration in
sealed packets.

35
d) An officer not below the rank of Food Inspector is to be deputed from the State
Government to take delivery of foodgrains stocks from FCI godowns.
e) It is responsibility of the concerned State Government/UT Administration to ensure
that during transportation and storage at different stages in the distribution chain,
the foodgrains retain the required quality specifications.
f) The State Government, where the decentralized procurement is in operation,
should ensure that the quality of foodgrains issued under TPDS and other welfare
schemes should meet the standards under the Food Safety and Standards (Food
Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011 as amended from time
to time.

****

36
 CHAPTER- 7
RELAXATION IN UNIFROM SPECIFICATIONS/ FAQ NORMS OF
FOODGRAINS

1. The FCI & the State Agencies procure the foodgrains strictly conforming to the
Uniform Specifications (refer Chapter 3) under the Central Pool. However, sometimes due to
natural calamities viz. unseasonal rains, erratic rain falls, cyclone and adverse climatic
conditions etc., the crop is affected, thereby affecting the quality of foodgrains and thus,
foodgrains brought by farmers for sale may not be conforming to the laid down norms of
Uniform Specifications.

2. The Department of Food & Public Distribution being part of the welfare state has to
take care of the farmers and the beneficiaries of the Targeted Public Distribution System
(TPDS) and Other Welfare Schemes (OWS). In this direction, it has to be ensured that due to
any deterioration in the quality of the foodgrains because of the natural calamity, the farmer
should not be penalized. As a result, relaxations in some refractions of the Uniform
Specifications are considered by the Department of Food & Public Distribution to mitigate
the hardship of farmers and to avoid distress sale at the request of the State Government/ UT
administrations.

3. The occurrence of any such natural calamity affecting the quality of the foodgrains is
unique and specific to the agro-climatic conditions of the region, therefore, consideration of
relaxation warrants different approaches accordingly. The relaxation is granted as per the
assessment of the extent of damage/quality loss in foodgrains. The foodgrains Under Relaxed
Specifications (URS) are then procured by the FCI and the State Agencies as per the Standard
Operating Procedure given below.

A. STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE (S.O.P) FOR RELAXATION IN

UNIFORM SPECIFICATION OF THE FOODGRAINS

The provisions to assess any request for the relaxation in Uniform Specifications of the
foodgrains are as under:

i. During the occurrence of extreme natural calamity that affects the quality of the
foodgrains, the request for relaxation in the Uniform Specifications along with the
details of the affected crop, IMD data, etc. as per prescribed format (at page
no.39) may be submitted to the Department of Food and Public Distribution by the
concerned State Government/UT Administration.
37
 ii. On receipt of the request, a joint team comprising the officers from the DFPD,
FCI and the State Government is constituted and deputed to the affected region.
The team will be led by DFPD and FCI shall depute Officer at the level of AGM
in the Joint Team.

iii. The Joint Team will complete the survey, sampling and analysis within 4 working
days or earlier. After that, the final report of the Joint Team along with the
recommendations will be submitted to the DFPD immediately.

iv. The decision for granting relaxation is taken directly based on the report submitted
by the joint team. However, the extent of relaxations for any refraction shall not
exceed the maximum limits prescribed by the FSSAI.

v. The DFPD will finalize the decision on the request for relaxation in the Uniform
Specifications following the procedure in-vogue within 2 working days from
receipt of the joint committee report.

vi. There will be relaxation in FAQ specific to the geographical area affected by the
natural calamity and as confirmed by the report of the Joint Team.

vii. There will be no value cut on the procurement of URS stock.

viii. The final decision on the request for the relaxation in the Uniform Specification
will be taken by the Competent Authority.

ix. The quantity of foodgrains procured under relaxed specifications shall be

consumed within the State of procurement, up to its allocation for the respective
year.

x. The rest of the URS quantity shall be handed over to the FCI and they should
dispose of such URS stock on priority.

xi. The State Governments and the FCI shall maintain separate storage and records of
the procured URS stocks. Further, during liquidation such stocks should be
disposed of on priority.

xii. No State agency shall procure URS without prior explicit approval of the
Department of Food and Public Distribution. No post-facto approval should be
granted to any State for the purchase of stocks under relaxed specifications.

38
B. FORMAT OF STANDARD APPLICATION FOR RELAXATION IN UNIFORM
SPECIFICATIONS

1. Name of the State

2. Name of the Crop
3. Crop Year
4. Nature of Calamity
5. Approximate area under production
6. Approximate affected area
7. Name of the affected area/district
8. Period for which relaxation is sought
9. IMD Data for period mentioned in point 8
10. Wind Velocity Data for period mentioned in point 8
11. Details of the refraction for which relaxation is sought
Sl Name of the refraction in Existing Limit of the Limit upto which
No. which relaxation is sought Specification relaxation is sought

12. Supporting data in respect of relaxation sought

13. Details of the previous relaxations granted by Government of India to the State, if
any.

Signature of Competent Authority

(Concerned Department of the State)
Name:
Designation:
Date:

****

39
 CHAPTER –8

NORMS FOR THE STORAGE GAIN/LOSS OF FOODGRAINS

The Department in consultation with the ICAR, CIPHET Ludhiana has finalized the
scientific norms to quantify the gain/losses of procured foodgrains i.e. Wheat/Rice under
central pool during the storage in covered godowns of consuming and procuring region

2. Wheat, considered a ‘living grain’, tends to gain some weight during storage. This is
known as ‘storage gain’ and it mostly happens due to absorption of moisture. The loss during
storage of rice stacked in a warehouse may take place because of decrease in grain moisture
content, reduction in dry matter weight owing to environmental conditions (temperature and
relative humidity), operational factors (spillage, sampling, weighing system errors, etc.) and
biotic factors (insects, pests, rodents, mycotoxins, etc.).

3. The recording & monitoring of loss/gain statics in respect of factors responsible for
affecting loss/gain of foodgrains is mandatory during preservation and at the time of
liquidation. However, the final determination of loss/gain can be done only after complete
liquidation of a particular stack. The storage gain/loss norms in wheat/rice in consuming and
procuring region is to be calculated as per the formulas mentioned under:

1. Lc rice = 0.819Mi-0.822Ml+0.01Sp (Rice in Consuming Regions)

2. Lp rice = 0.737Mi-0.753Ml+0.0251Sp (Rice in Procuring regions)
3. Lc wheat = 0.618Mi-0.627Ml+0.011Sp (Wheat in Consuming regions)
4. Lp wheat = 0.578Mi-0.579Ml-0.007Sp (Wheat in Procuring regions)
Where;
Lc = Loss/Gain in Rice in Consuming region
Lp = Loss/Gain in Rice in Procuring region
Mi = Moisture content during stacking
Ml = Moisture content during liquidation
Sp = Storage period in months

4. If any deviation occurs from the norms, each and every case of unjustified losses (i.e.
the value beyond the calculation as per the norms), is investigated separately and on the basis
of merit of cases, the responsibilities are fixed by concerned procuring agencies on the
delinquent staffs through imposing penalties/recoveries.

40
 CHAPTER - 9
PROTOCOL FOR MONITORING THE QUALITY OF FOODGRAINS
STOCK PROCURED UNDER DECENTRALIZED PROCUREMENT
(DCP) SCHEME

1. Inspection of Foodgrains during storage at the level of Procuring Agency:

a) The State Government shall put in place a system of inspection of

depots/warehouse wherein procurement of FR, wheat, cereals, millets, etc. is
carried out by the concerned department of the State.
b) The minimum frequency of the inspection of various foodgrains by the
concerned State Government is as under:
i. Fortified Rice: The inspection of the procured stock shall be conducted on
monthly basis and mill wise stacking may be ensured. Further, it may also
ensure that the optimum degree of polish i.e., 5% should be maintained to
retain the desired level of nutrients in resultant rice that is used for FR.
ii. Wheat: The inspection shall cover minimum 50% of the stock procured in
the respective Rabi Marketing Season (RMS).
iii. Millets/Other Cereals: The inspection of the procured stock shall be
conducted on fortnightly basis.
2. Inspection of Foodgrains during storage at the level of DFPD:
a) To facilitate the inspection of stock procured under DCP scheme, DFPD will
constitute a Joint team comprising of nominated officers of the Ministry, State
Government and the FCI. The team will be led by the Ministry.
b) The aforementioned Joint Team shall perform a monthly inspection as per the
details below.
i. The monthly inspection shall be conducted of the total procured stock under
DCP scheme.
ii. During the inspection of any FCI district, the team shall inspect
FR/Wheat/Millets/Other Cereals, etc stock procured in accordance to the
scheme mentioned below:
 100% upto 1000MT
 10% upto 10,000 MT
 5% for more than 10,000MT

41
 iii. In case of routine inspection, the planning of inspection schedule shall be done
in such a manner so as to cover the entire Revenue District of the State in a
year; however, there may be a gap of six months during visit in a same district.
The six months clause shall not be applicable in case of receipt of any
complaint regarding quality of food grains in the district.
iv. The schedule of inspection (routine inspection) shall be intimated to the
concerned authorities of the State Government and FCI before the
commencement of the inspection. However, in any case, the same may not be
communicated to rice millers or any other private agencies.
c) In case of quality related issues observed by the joint team or during any complaint,
the joint team may increase the number of visit to the said FCI/Revenue district.
d) The Regional Office of Quality Control Cell (DFPD) shall submit the outcome of the
monthly inspection to the Ministry as far as possible within 15 days of completion of
the inspection.
e) The analysis report submitted by the regional office may be monitored by QCC,
Delhi.
f) In reference to MoU signed between respective State Governments of DCP States
and DFPD for the KMS 2015-16 onwards mechanism for “Joint inspection of
foodgrains by FCI and State Government procured in DCP states” and FCI letter
dated 24.05.2016, the inspection report of the 2% check conducted by the FCI may be
shared with the concerned Quality Control Cells of DFPD.
g) The concerned Quality Control Cells of DFPD shall scrutinize the aforementioned
report of the FCI & shall submit the Action Taken Report (ATR) of the same to QCC,
Delhi.
h) The quality report of the samples drawn during inspection by DFPD and check
conducted by the FCI shall be one of the mandatory documents for releasing the
subsidy to the state government by the Ministry for the respective quarter.
i) In case of dearth of technically qualified officers in DCP States, the State may make
request to FCI to provide such technically qualified officers.

3. Provision for stock declared as BRL (Beyond Rejection Limit)

The foodgrains found beyond the specifications issued by the DFPD is considered as
Beyond Rejection Limit (BRL). Such stock shall not be distributed under the Public
Distribution System/any other welfare schemes.

42
I) Fortified Rice:

a) In case of detection of BRL FR stock (including blending ratio) by the inspecting

team, a notice would be issued by the concerned procuring agencies to the miller
directing to replace the BRL stock with FAQ stock.

b) The stock shall be replaced by the defaulting rice miller at their own risk and cost.

c) The replaced BRL stock shall be verified & certified by a Joint team consisting of
nominated officers of the DFPD, the State Government & the FCI. Unless the
replaced stock is verified & certified by the Joint team, it will not be issued in the
PDS or transported to another place. This procedure of verification and
certification of replaced BRL stock shall also be applicable to the stock procured
under Non-Decentralized Procurement Scheme.

d) The entire exercise of replacement of stock by the rice miller shall be completed
within 03 months followed by a request of the State Government/Agency for
verification and certification by the Joint team. The certification shall be completed
as early as possible but not more than two months from the receipt of the request.

e) The certificate of replacement shall be one of the mandatory documents for the
release of subsidy to the State.

f) The above-mentioned procedure of verification & certification (of replaced stock)

shall also be applicable for BRL stock declared by the FCI during its 2% mandatory
checks for DCP states.

II) Wheat:

a) In case of detection of BRL wheat stock by the inspecting team, all stock of wheat
containing damaged grains within FSSAI standards shall form a part of upgradable
stocks. Such stock shall be upgraded to bring its refractions within FAQ norms.
b) The upgraded stock of wheat shall be verified & certified by a Joint team consisting
of nominated officers of the DFPD, the State Government & the FCI.

c) The process of upgradation & certification of the BRL wheat stock should be
completed as early as possible but not more than two months from the receipt of the
request from State Government/Agency.

43
 d) The certificate of upgradation shall be one of the mandatory documents for the
release of subsidy to the State.

4. Provisions for Non-compliance with FSSAI Limit:

a) The foodgrains not found complying with the specifications issued by the FSSAI
are known as non-compliant as per FSSAIs limit (non-issuable) and may be
considered as Unfit for human consumption.

b) In case of non compliant FSSAI stock, the Guidelines for Disposal of Damaged
Foodgrains held by State Government and its Agencies may be followed as per
Annexure I at Page No.56.

c) The rice miller whose rice stock is found to be non-compliant as per FSSAI limit
shall provide fresh FAQ stock of an equal quantity of foodgrains. There is no
provision for replacement of such stock. The expenditure involved in entire process
would be borne by the defaulting miller. In case such rice miller provides more than
06 lots not complying with the FSSAI Limit in a season, action would be taken
against him as per the provision of Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 as
amended from time to time and shall be debarred from milling operations for a
season.

d) It is mandatory for the State Government to clearly mention the penal provisions in
its MoU with Rice millers for the supply of non-compliant FSSAI Limit FR/Wheat.

****

44
 CHAPTER – 10

FORTIFIED RICE
1. Fortification is the practice of deliberately increasing the content of essential
micronutrients in a food so as to improve the nutritional quality of food and to
provide public health benefit with minimal risk to health. Rice Fortification is done
by blending Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK) to normal Rice (Custom Milled Rice) with
a blending efficiency of FRK at 1% of FR by weight.
2. Rice, when fortified, shall contain added iron, folic acid and Vitamin B-12 at the
level (prescribed by FSSAI) given in the table below:
Sl. Nutrient Level of fortification per Kg
No.
1. Iron-(a) Ferric pyrophosphate 28mg- 42.5mg
Or
(b) Sodium Iron (III) Ethylene diamine
14 mg-21.25 mg
tetra Acetate Trihydrate (Sodium
feredetate- Na Fe EDTA)
2. Folic acid 75μg-125μg
3. Vitamin B12-Cyanocobalamine or 0.75μg-1.25μg
Hydroxycobalamine
QUALITY MANAGEMENT PROTOCOLS FOR FORTIFIED RICE KERNEL (FRK)
AND FORTIFIED RICE (FR)
Level 1: Vitamin & Mineral Premix (VMP) manufacturer
1.1 The Vitamin & Mineral Premix (VMP) used for manufacturing Fortified Rice
Kernel (FRK) should be strictly in accordance with the “Draft Food Safety and
Standards (Food Product Standards and Food Additives) Amendment Regulations
w.r.t the standards of Vitamin and Mineral Premix for manufacturing of Fortified
Rice Kernels (FRK)”, dated 17.11.2023 (refer Page No. 62) and as amended from
time to time.
Level 2: FRK Manufacturer
At the level of Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK) Manufacturer/ Supplier:
2.1 FRK manufacturers shall have a FSSAI License/registration.
2.2 FRK manufacturer should procure the Premix from FSSAI Licensed Premix
Manufacturer/ Supplier.
2.3 The chemical compound of the vitamin and minerals premix (VMP), used in FRK

45
 production, should be in accordance with the latest FSSAI guidelines/Standard
Operating Procedure for FRK Production.
2.4 Certificate of Analysis (CoA) is to be obtained from FSSAI-notified laboratories.
CoAs must have a QR code as prescribed by FSSAI containing the information
about the lab/testing so that the genuineness of the CoAs can be checked by
scanning.
2.5 FRK manufacturers shall maintain the batch-wise records of CoAs of Vitamin-
Mineral Premix (VMP) used in FRK production in physical format and the
corresponding batch of FRK produced and shall upload test reports on the web
portal specified by FSSAI for complete audit trail, which can be accessed during
the inspections, if required, by FCI, State Government, DFPD and other
authorities.
2.6 FRK manufacturers shall provide the batch-wise CoAs of FRK and the
corresponding batch of VMP to the fortified rice millers while selling FRK.

Level 3: Rice Millers Producing Fortified Rice by Blending FRK with Conventional
Rice
3.1 The rice miller should have a valid milling license as well as a valid license for
manufacturing fortified rice under food category 6.0 of the Indian Food
Categorization System (Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006) (refer Page No. 62).
3.2 The millers should procure FRK from FSSAI licensed/registered FRK
manufacturers/Suppliers.
3.3 Millers should have a Blending Machine as per the latest standards prescribed by
BIS i.e. IS 17854: 2022 (refer Page No.62) with an integrated packaging/bagging
facility to ensure homogeneous blending of FRK at 1% of FR by weight.
3.4 Bags of fortified rice offered for procurement to the procuring agencies must
comply with Food Safety & Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020
and Food Safety & Standard (Fortification of Foods) First amendment
Regulations, 2021(refer Page No.62).
3.5 The rice millers shall keep a record of CoAs for each consignment of FRK and
VMP. Rice millers shall provide the CoA of the FRK batch used and the CoA of
the corresponding Premix to the procuring agencies at delivery of each
consignment/lot of fortified rice.
3.6 During the production of fortified rice, the Blending Efficiency Test (BET)
should be performed every hour to validate the effective mixing of fortified rice

46
 kernels (FRK) with custom milled rice by preparing a composite sample. The
sample should be drawn from 10-15 bags randomly. Proper records of BET may
also be maintained.

Level 4: Procurement of Fortified rice by FCI/ State Agencies:

At the time of Tendering/Empanelment and Formalizing the Contract
4.1 FCI/ State Procuring Agencies should specify all pre-requisites including
blending efficiency of FRK at 1% of FR by weight, CoA, FSSAI license etc. of
rice millers in their Milling Agreement to ensure uniformity and ease the QA/QC
protocols.
At the time of Sourcing Fortified Rice from the Millers
4.2 Fortified Rice consignments are to be checked for physical parameters by quality
control personnel of procuring agencies/DFPD as per the existing procedure for
analysis of Foodgrains (refer Chapter 3 and Chapter 5) and IS 17780: 2021 FR
specifications (refer Page No.62).
4.3 For the purpose of uniformity, it is assumed that scenario 2 in Appendix I (given
below) shall be followed by the Rice Millers, wherein the mean value (Iron 3525
mg/kg; Folic Acid 10000 µg/kg and Vitamin B12 100 µg/Kg) of the prescribed
range of micronutrients in FRK is expected to be ideal. In this scenario, the range
from -10% to +20 % i.e., 0.9 to 1.2 shall be permitted blending ratio.
However, if the sample fails on account of blending, an opportunity would be
given to Rice Millers to bring the blending ratio of the rejected stock within any
of the green footprints provided in Appendix I either by adding FRK in FR or by
adding conventional rice in FR so that the blending ratio in the FR becomes
acceptable.
4.4 The procuring agency should verify the CoAs of FRK, premix by scanning the
QR code of CoA and check the blending ratio of FRK with conventional rice
from the matrix of Blending ratio (placed below at Appendix I)
4.5 At the time of acceptance of FR, the Blending Ratio would be checked on a
sample size of 50 Grams.
4.6 DFPD may conduct surprise checks to ensure the prescribed level of micronutrients
in Fortified Rice at any stage mentioned above to address any
complaints/grievances/references.

47
Appendix –I
Matrix for Blending Ratio

Micronutrients Limits Units Scenario Scenario Scenario

1 2 3
Fe 2800-4250 mg/kg 2800 3525 4250
7500-
Folic Acid 12500 µg /kg 7500 10000 12500
Vitamin B12 75-125 µg /kg 75 100 125

Blending Ratio 0.9 1 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6

Scenario 1
Fe 2520 2800 3080 3360 3640 3920 4200 4480
Folic Acid 6750 7500 8250 9000 9750 10500 11250 12000
Vitamin B12 67.5 75 82.5 90 97.5 105 112.5 120

Scenario 2
Fe 3172.5 3525 3877.5 4230 4582.5 4935 5287.5 5640
Folic Acid 9000 10000 11000 12000 13000 14000 15000 16000
Vitamin B12 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160

Scenario 3
Fe 3825 4250 4675 5100 5525 5950 6375 6800
Folic Acid 11250 12500 13750 15000 16250 17500 18750 20000
Vitamin B12 112.5 125 137.5 150 162.5 175 187.5 200

****

48
 CHAPTER- 11
OUT TURN RATIO (OTR)

1. Out Turn Ratio (OTR), also known as milling yield is an essential parameter that
indicates the percentage of rice obtained from a given quantity of paddy. It is a measure of
the efficiency of the rice milling process and can be affected by factors such as milling
equipment, settings, rice variety, inherent quality of the paddy and pre-treatments like
steaming or parboiling.

2. The Department of Food and Public Distribution has prescribed the Out Turn Ratio
(OTR) for Raw Rice and Parboiled Rice as under:

Sl. No. Category of Rice OTR (%)

1. Raw Rice 67
2. Parboiled Rice 68

3. The above mentioned OTR is based on the recommendations of the expert committee
constituted for technical examination of the reports of the study on “Trial milling of paddy to
obtain Out Turn Ratio” conducted by Central Food Technological Research Institute
(CFTRI), Mysore; Paddy Processing Research Centre (PPRC), Thanjavur (renamed as IICPT,
IIFPT and NIFTEM-T) and Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur during 1993-94.

****

49
 CHAPTER -12

PROCEDURE FOR APPEALS

A. REJECTION OF RICE STOCKS NOT CONFORMING TO FAQ NORMS

1. The concerned Technical Assistant/ Manager (QC), FCI will check the delivered lots of
rice within 24 hours of dumping.
2. FIRST APPEAL
i) If the lot is rejected by the Manager (QC), FCI the rice miller/ State Agency have
an option to appeal against rejection within 24 hours of receipt of the rejection
letter.
ii) On receipt of the appeal lodged by the supplier in writing, Four (04) jointly sealed
samples will be drawn by Manager (QC), FCI in association with the
representatives of the agency concerned/rice miller immediately.
iii) Three samples will be sent to the concerned district lab of FCI immediately along
with the appeal letter.
iv) The 4th sealed sample will be given to the State Government or its representative
and it should remain in the custody of an officer not below the rank of Assistant
Director.
v) In case, the State Government requests for review of the analysis results of the
third appeal at CGAL, the 4th sample will act as a review sample for analysis by
CGAL.
vi) For the first appeal at the district lab of FCI, the AGM (QC), FCI will analyze one
of the sealed samples jointly with the representative of the State Government/rice
miller within three working days and shall inform them the outcome of analysis.
vii) The representative of the State Government/rice miller will submit a letter to the
AGM (QC), FCI indicating either acceptance of analysis results or their intention
to prefer an appeal in case of non acceptance of the result on the same day.
3. SECOND APPEAL
i) In case of non-acceptance of result of first appeal, 2nd sealed sample should be
sent to the concerned Regional Office, FCI on the next working day along with
the letter of appeal given by the representative of the State Government/Rice
miller.
ii) At the regional level, DGM (QC), Regional Office, FCI will decide on the appeal
by analyzing the second sealed sample in association with representative of the
State agency/Rice miller within 3 working days.

50
 iii) The outcome of the analysis shall be informed to the agency concerned/Rice
miller through e-mail and in writing by DGM (QC) on the day of the analysis
itself.
iv) In case of non-settlement of objection/dispute, the Rice miller/State Government
shall have two working days time to respond and communicate to Central Grain
Analysis Laboratory about their intention to avail the option of third appeal under
intimation to DGM (QC), Regional Office, FCI.
4. THIRD APPEAL
i. The third sealed sample shall be sent to CGAL under intimation to DGM (QC),
Regional office, FCI.
ii. On receipt of the sample, the CGAL will communicate the results to the State
Government and FCI within 5 working days.
5. FOURTH APPEAL
i. In case, the State Government wants to request for review of the analysis results
of CGAL, they should communicate and provide a review sample (4 th sealed
sample) to CGAL for analysis within 3 working days under intimation to the
concerned FCI Regional/District office.
ii. CGAL will communicate the results of the review sample to the State Government
and FCI within 05 working days.
6. In case the Manager (QC), FCI from the district office has been deputed in the depots for
acceptance of rice, the concerned Manager (QC), FCI will be considered as the depot staff
for acceptance/rejection of rice. Therefore, she/he will not be associated in analysis of
samples at the district office in case of an appeal.
7. The result of appeal at all level shall be communicated to the State Government/Rice
mills by FCI in writing and email also.
8. During the pendency of the appeal against the rejection of a particular rice lot, the Rice
miller will be allowed to deliver the rice till the final outcome of the appeal.
9. If the appeal is upheld at any level, FCI will accept the stock and separate departmental
action will be initiated against the delinquent officers.
10. In case the appeal is rejected at all three levels, the storage charges will be levied by FCI
from the date of delivery of a rice lot as per their procedure. Further, the miller will have
to lift the rejected stock within 24 hours, if the miller fails to do so, the further delivery of
stocks will be stopped.
11. To avoid frivolous appeals a caution notice may be issued to the concerned Rice miller in
the event of rejection of appeal at all levels and for repeated occurrence of such appeal,
other punitive action can be considered against the concerned Rice miller.
51
#Note: In case no representative of the State Government/Rice miller is present for joint
analysis, the outcome of the analysis shall be informed to the agency concerned/Rice miller
through e-mail and in writing by AGM (QC), FCI on the day of analysis itself. The concerned
State agency/ Rice miller shall have two working days time to respond and communicate to
the regional office whether they intend to avail the option of the next level appeal under
intimation to AGM (QC).

52
 Flow Chart for Appeal Against Rejection of Rice Stocks not Conforming to FAQ Norms

Dumping of Rice

Checking by TA/Manager (QC), FCI within 24 hours

Accepted Rejected

1st appeal by Miller/State Govt. within 24 hour Optional

of receipt of rejection letter.

4 sealed samples will be drawn by Manager (QC), FCI in association with agency concerned/rice millers.
Appeal
3 samples will be submitted to the concerned FCI DO Lab. 4 th sealed sample to be handed over to the State
Govt. and should remain in the custody of the officer not below the rank of Assistant Director.

1st Sample 2nd Sample 3rd Sample 4th Sample

AGM
(QC), FCI
Joint Analysis within
03 working days

Optional
Accepted Rejected
2nd appeal by Miller/ State Govt. on the
same day and 2nd sample should be sent to
concerned RO, FCI on next working day

DGM (QC), FCI

Joint Analysis within
03 working days

Accepted Rejected

3rd appeal by Miller/ State Govt. to

CGAL within 02 working days under
intimation to DGM (QC),RO,FCI. CGAL
Analysis within 05
working days

Accepted Rejected
Review appeal by the State Govt. &
submission of 4th sample to CGAL within
3 working days under intimation to
concerned RO, FCI. CGAL

Result in 5 working days

Accepted Rejected
53
B. IN CASE OF DISPUTE DURING CROSS CHECKING OF MOSITURE
CONTENT OF STORED FOODGRAIN (WHEAT/RICE) IN COVERED
GODOWNS

1. The concerned State Agency shall appeal before Divisional Manager (DM), FCI
within 24 hours and the DM FCI shall constitute a joint committee of AGM (QC) FCI
and District Head of one SPA (State Procuring Agency) duly nominated by the State
Govt. on the same day of receipt of Appeal (designated as First Appellate
Authority).
2. The joint Committee shall visit the storage point within 48 hours to resolve the issue.
3. In case, the State Agency is not satisfied with the outcome of First Appellate
Authority, then a second Appeal can be made to GM (Region) concerned within 24
hours. Accordingly, GM (Region) shall constitute a joint committee of Director, Food
and Civil Supplies or his nominee and DGM (QC) on the same day of the receipt of
Appeal (designated as Second Appellate Authority).
4. The joint committee (Second Appellate Authority) shall visit the storage points within
48 hours to resolve the issue.
5. However, in case of non-settlement of dispute, the state agency shall raise the matter
at final level i.e. with Ministry within two days.
6. The representative of the Ministry shall visit the concerned storage point to resolve
the issue and thereafter shall decide the matter within 3 days of visit to the storage
point.
7. The outcomes of this stage shall be treated as final. The results of third Appellate
Authority (Ministry) shall be binding upon the both parties.

54
 Flow Chart for Appeal in case of dispute during cross checking of Moisture Content of Stored
Foodgrain (Wheat/Rice) in Covered Godowns
Norms

Checking of moisture content of

Stored foodgrain (Wheat/Rice)

NO DISPUTE IN CASE OF DISPUTE

1st Appeal
Appeal before Divisional Manager, FCI
(by Concerned State Agency within 24 hours )

Constitution of First Appellate Authority

[AGM (QC), FCI and District head of one

State procuring Agency nominated by State
Government]

UNRESOLVED RESOLVED

2nd Appeal
*****
Appeal to General Manager (Region), FCI
(by Concerned State Agency within 24 hours )

Constitution of Second Appellate Authority

[DGM (QC), FCI and Director, Food and Civil

Supplies or his nominee]

UNRESOLVED RESOLVED

The representatives of Ministry shall visit

concerned Storage point and decide the 3rd Appeal
matter within 3 days thereafter. Appeal to Ministry
(by Concerned State Agency within 02 days )
The outcome of this stage shall be
treated as final and binding upon both
parties.
55
 ANNEXURE-I

Guidelines for disposal of damaged foodgrains held by State Govt. and its agencies as
per the Policy letter No. 8-10/2004-PY-IV dated 08.07.2014 is reproduced as below:

1. Whenever any stock of foodgrains of Central Pool lying in the custody of a State
Agency is found to be non-issuable, by the concerned agency it will report the matter
to the State Government and the GM, FCI concerned. On receiving such a report
about upgradeable/damaged foodgrains, the State Government, shall immediately
constitute a Joint Technical Committee at District level consisting of two
representatives of FCI also for conducting categorization of such non-issuable stocks.
The Area Manager, FCI concerned will nominate these two representatives, one
Quality Control Personnel and an Accounts Officer in the District Level Technical
Committee whenever a request is received for this purpose. Joint Technical
Committee will get the quality of such stocks checked and if the stocks are found to
be non-issuable will decide whether they are upgradable or damaged. In case, the
stocks are found to be upgradable then State Agency concerned will be given three
month's time to upgrade the same. The GM of the region concerned may extend the
time required for upgradation of stocks by one month on the basis of genuine
justification given by State Agencies. If the State Agency does not upgrade such
stocks within three months, the FCI will declare them as damaged. If the Joint
Technical committee finds that stocks are damaged and cannot be upgraded, the
information about stocks found as damaged or declared as damaged by FCl will
immediately be reported to The State Government concerned and FCI HQs.
2. On declaring any Central Pool stocks lying with a State Agency as non-issuable
(damaged), the FCI on its part should report the matter to the FC Accounts Division
of the Department of Food & Public Distribution, Government of India and the
Department and FCI, as may be the case, shall not pay any carrying cost or other
charges etc. to the State Agency for such foodgrains from the date of such
declaration by FCI/State Government.

3. In case the Joint Technical Committee finds the stocks to be damaged, the
appropriate number of samples of all such damaged stocks shall be jointly drawn
and got analyzed by the above mentioned District Level Technical Committee in a
District Laboratory of FCI or at any other suitable mutually agreed laboratory. The
Technical Committee shall submit the analytical results on various concerned
parameters of these samples and their recommendation on categorization of the

56
 stocks concerned to the State Government/State Government Agency with a copy to
the GM (Region), FCI concerned.

4. On receipt of analytical report of the Joint Technical Committee on categorization, the

State Government/ State Agencies concerned may examine and accept it and
proceed ahead for disposal of the damaged stock accordingly or, if required, they
may constitute a State level verification Committee of technical experts to randomly
check 20% of categorization done by the District level Committee.

5. State Govt. and its Agencies shall dispose of damaged foodgrains at or above the
reserve price fixed as per these guidelines through tender/auction to the bonafide
manufacturer/consumer of feed, including the State Government and its Agencies
having similar facilities, on the best commercial terms by following transparent
procedure and in accordance with the procedure followed by the FCI for such
disposal. A representative of FCI to be nominated by GM, (Region) concerned in the
committee to be constituted for the evaluation of tender by the MD/Head of the
concerned State Agency, so as to ensure a greater transparency, better discovery of
market rates and sale of damaged foodgrains to the bonafide purchaser only. The
eligible participants of tender will also be allowed to take samples of the lots of
damaged foodgrains under auction to pre-check their suitability for animal
consumption etc.

6. The entire exercise of disposal of damaged foodgrains should be time-bound and it

shall be completed within a maximum period of six months from the date of
declaration of stocks as 'damaged 'by FCI as stated in Para 1 of these guidelines. The
GM of the region concerned may extend the period by 2 months if proper
justification is furnished by the concerned State Agency.

7. Whenever any stock is detected as damaged, the State Government/State Agency

concerned should invariably enquire into it parallely to find out the reasons for the
stocks getting damaged/becoming non-issuable. Factors like the age of the stocks
vis-a-vis their prescribed shelf-life, the reasons for storage beyond prescribed shield-
life, the type of storage (covered/CAP/Unscientific CAP) etc. should be looked into
and in all such cases responsibility for any lapses, malpractices, negligence etc.
should be fixed and action should be taken for recovery of losses against the depot
manager & other responsible officers/officials, as per findings of enquiry.

8. At every instance of accrual 1000 MT or more of damaged foodgrains of Central Pool

in the State pertaining to any individual State Agency or as part of combined stock

57
 of various State Agencies, the State Government shall immediately depute a
Vigilance Squad to check the reasons for such accrual, suggest necessary action to
punish the guilty, if any, and to suggest measures to prevent any occurrence of such
damage to the stocks in future.

9. As provided in the guidelines laid down for disposal of such stocks by FCI, the State
Government/State agencies should try to have rate running contract to dispose of
less than 500MT of damaged stocks. This rate running contract should be finalized
by them in line with the procedure being followed by FCI.

10. Reserve price for tender sale of all damaged foodgrains may be fixed as under:

a Feed-I 60%.of MSP of the crop year for wheat

60% of derived MSP of the crop year for rice

b Feed-II 50% of MSP of the crop year for wheat

50% of derived MSP of the crop year for rice

c Feed-III 40% of MSP of the crop year for wheat

40% of derived MSP of the crop year for rice

d Industrial use 30% of MSP of the crop year for wheat

30% of derived MSP of the crop year for rice

e Manure I0% of MSP of the crop year for wheat

10% of derived MSP of the crop year for rice

Details of Feed etc. are as below:

Damaged Wheat/ Rice Categorization

SI.No. Particulars of Wheat Percentage of sound grains other than

and Rice Foreign and damaged foodgrains
1 Feed-I (i) Sound grains 85% to less than 95% in case
of rice and 94% in case of wheat.
(ii) Weevilled grains alone exceeding 10% by
count.
(iii) Uric acid content alone found exceeding
100mg/kg.

58
 2 Feed-II Sound grains 70% to less than 85%

3 Feed-III Sound grains 55% to less than 70%

4 Industrial use (i) Sound grains 30% to less than 55%

(ii) Contaminated with poisonous chemicals
and fertilizers

5 Manure use Sound grains 10% to less than 30%

11. Participation of FCI in the categorization and disposal of damaged foodgrains held by
the State Government and its agencies for Central pool shall in no way mean that
FCI/GOI has agreed to compensate any losses or claims either of the State Government
or any of its agencies. Since the stocks are damaged while in the custody of the State
Agencies they should be responsible for bearing the losses and the Government of India
will not be reimbursing the losses in such cases, as the safe custody/preservation of
procured foodgrains is the responsibility of State Agencies.

12. FCI should periodically monitor the progress of disposal of damaged foodgrains stocks
lying with the State Agencies and should send a State wise monthly report on disposal
of such stocks and pendency thereon alongwith the period of such pendency to the
Department of Food & Public Distribution, Government of lndia.

13. These guidelines shall be applicable only for the disposal of non-issuable (damaged)
stocks of foodgrains procured by State Governments/State Agencies on behalf of
Government of India towards central pool and lying in their custody on behalf of
Government of India including the foodgrains procured under DCP mode.

****

59
 ANNEXURE II

List of SoPs/Instructions Superseded by Letter No. 36-2/2024-QCC (E: 386657) dated

April, 2024

Sr. OM No. Date Subject

no.
1.. 39-5/2013-S&I 28.10.2015 Appeal for Challenging the result of rice
lots rejected by FCI during acceptance of
rice in Punjab
2.. 40-13/2017-QCC/129- 09.11.2017 Mechanism of Quality Control of
165 Foodgrains during Procurement, Storage
and Distribution
3. 40-4/2020-QCC 16.07.2021 Standard Operating Procedure (S.O.P.) for
monitoring quality of foodgrains stocks
procured under Decentralized Procurement
(DCP) scheme
4. 36-5/2018-QCC (Part) 13.12.2022 Operational Guidelines on Quality Control
for Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK) and
Fortified Rice (FR)
5. 36-5/2018-QCC 26.12.2023 Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) for
(Part)(E: 377504) Quality Management Protocols for Fortified
Rice Kernels (FRK) and Fortified Rice (FR)

****

60
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
1. Official documents from the archives of the Department of Food & Public
Distribution (DFPD)
2. Manuals & Specifications from the archives of the Food Corporation of India (FCI)
3. Standards& Regulations from the archives of Food Safety & Standards Authority of
India (FSSAI)
4. Standards and SOPs from the archives of Bureau of Indian standards (BIS)

****

61
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
S.No. Name of Organization Reference Link
of Chapter/
Page no.
1. Department of Food and Chapter-1 https://dfpd.gov.in
Public Distribution
2. Bureau of Indian Standard Chapter-4, https://cdn.standards.iteh.ai/samples/3
Page No. 23 6816/7c5ff5ae9e9e4b4bb3750601281e
b0a8/ISO-6644-2002.pdf
3. Bureau of Indian Standard Chapter-5, https://anaajkharid.in/Images/FRK/IS
Page No. 28 %2017780%20OF%202021%20(Speci
fications%20FR).pdf
4. Bureau of Indian Standard Chapter-06, https://www.hrmsfci.in/aps/CivilEngg/I
Page No.33 S%2016144_2014_Reff2020.pdf

5. Food Safety and Standards Chapter-10 https://www.fssai.gov.in/upload/adviso

Authority of India Page No.45 ries/2023/11/65575be226620Direction
_Operationalization%20of%20Draft%
20FPS&A_Standards%20of%20Vit-
Mineral%20Premix%20for%20FRK_1
7.11.2023.pdf
6. Food Safety and Standards Chapter-10, https://fssai.gov.in/cms/food-safety-
Authority of India Page No.46 and-standards-act-
2006.php#:~:text=It%20is%20an%20
Act%20to,and%20wholesome%20food
%20for%20humanB
7. Bureau of Indian Standard Chapter-10 https://archive.org/details/gov.in.is.178
Page No.46 54.2022/page/n3/mode/2up

8. Gazette notification of Food Chapter-10 https://www.fssai.gov.in/upload/uploa

Safety and Standards Page No.46 dfiles/files/Compendium_Labelling_Di

Authority of India splay_23_09_2021.pdf

9. Gazette notification of Food Chapter-10 https://egazette.gov.in/(S(mhvgmj4geg

Safety and Standards Page No.46 abincabqrogxri))/ViewPDF.aspx

Authority of India
10. Bureau of Indian Standard Chapter-10, https://anaajkharid.in/Images/FRK/IS
Page No.47 %2017780%20OF%202021%20(Speci
fications%20FR).pdf

62