Govind Tekale
The Food Standards Agency’s (FSA) National Food Crime Unit (NFCU) has arrested four people following raids in Leicester and London targeting the sale of mixed rice falsely sold as premium basmati.
The first raid took place on July 23, 2025, in Leicester, where NFCU officers, supported by Leicestershire Police, arrested a 48-year-old man. A week later, on July 30, the operation expanded to London, resulting in three more arrests – a 56-year-old man and a 51-year-old woman from Croydon, along with a 48-year-old man from Epsom. All four were arrested on suspicion of fraud by misrepresentation and conspiracy to defraud and have been released under investigation.
A fifth person, a 52-year-old man from London, also attended a police station for a voluntary interview in connection with the case.
During the raids, officers seized large quantities of 10kg and 20kg bags of mixed rice packaged in counterfeit premium brand basmati packaging. This type of food fraud involves disguising lower-value mixed rice as premium basmati products, which typically command higher prices.
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Neil Castle, Deputy Head of the FSA’s NFCU, explained the significance of the operation: “The deliberate misrepresentation of legally imported bags of mixed rice as premium basmati products defrauds consumers and creates unfair competition for legitimate businesses.”
The operation demonstrates the NFCU’s enhanced capabilities following their receipt of additional powers earlier this year. In May 2025, the unit gained new authority under The Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) to apply for and execute search warrants independently, increasing their ability to respond quickly to intelligence about food crime.
Professor Chris Elliott OBE, who recommended the formation of the NFCU following the 2013 horse meat scandal, has been a vocal supporter of strengthening the unit’s powers. The coordinated raids across multiple locations show how the NFCU works with local police forces and authorities to tackle food fraud effectively.
While the investigation continues, the FSA has confirmed there is no health risk to the public from the counterfeit products. However, consumers with concerns about purchased rice products are advised to contact their local Trading Standards office.
The FSA encourages anyone with suspicions about food fraud to report it through their Food Crime Confidential service at food.gov.uk/report or by calling 0800 028 1180.
