Tokutei teihinni mai (specified low-grade rice)

Tokutei teihinni mai (特定低品位米, "specified low-grade rice") refers to rice regarded as failing to meet particular quality standards. Its use as food is generally restricted, and it is mostly used for sake brewing or as animal feed. Selling it requires the approval of the director of the government's Food Office (食糧事務所長), and sale through ordinary distribution channels is restricted. In sake production, this kind of rice can sometimes play a role, but appropriate handling is required.