First time in India, FSSAI notifies comprehensive regulatory standards for Basmati Rice; Will be enforced from 1st August, 2023

Source: The post is based on the article “First time in India, FSSAI notifies comprehensive regulatory standards for Basmati Rice; Will be enforced from 1st August, 2023” published in PIB on 13th January 2023.

What is the News?

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has notified standards for basmati rice. They will be enforced from August 1,2023. 

What are the standards released by FSSAI for basmati rice?

Aim: To protect consumer interest and ensure the basmati rice sold in the market has the characteristic fragrance identified with this variety and is free from artificial fragrances and colouring.

Applicable to: The standards are applicable to brown basmati rice, milled basmati rice, parboiled brown basmati rice and milled parboiled basmati rice.

Key features of the standards: Basmati rice shall possess the natural fragrance characteristics of basmati rice and be free from artificial colouring, polishing agents, and artificial fragrances. 

– These standards also specify various identity and quality parameters for basmati rice such as the average size of grains, maximum limits of moisture, uric acid, and damaged grains.

About Basmati Rice

Basmati rice is a premium variety of rice cultivated in the Himalayan foothills of the Indian sub-continent. It is universally known for its long grain size, fluffy texture and unique aroma and flavour.

Agro-climatic conditions of the specific geographical areas where Basmati Rice is grown as well as the method of harvesting, processing and ageing of the rice contribute to the uniqueness of Basmati Rice. 

In India, rice is grown in specific parts of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir can be labelled as basmati.

It is a widely consumed variety of rice both in the country and abroad and India accounts for two-thirds of its global supply.