FSSAI Announces Standardisation of Basmati Rice

NEW DELHI: In an attempt to establish fair trade practices in the business of Basmati Rice, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has specified the identification standards for this popular variety of long-grain rice. Several variations of the grain including Brown Basmati Rice, Milled Basmati Rice, Parboiled Brown Basmati Rice and Milled Parboiled Basmati Rice are also under the limits of this new regulation.

These new standards come to force on August 1, 2023, with the aim of preventing adulteration and the use of several unfair practices including the use of artificial fragrances, artificial colouring agents, polishing agents and other materials while processing.

Basmati rice has very high demand in both domestic and international markets. And this has led to the adulteration of high-quality rice with lower-quality varieties. This will not be possible once this new standard is in full force. It will also ensure that the farmers who engage in the cultivation of this crop receive the due value.

"These standards also specify various identity and quality parameters for basmati rice such as the average size of grains and their elongation ratio after cooking; maximum limits of moisture, amylose content, uric acid, defective/damaged grains and incidental presence of other non-basmati rice, etc.," mentioned a statement from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.

Known worldwide for its unique aroma and flavour, this long-grain variety of rice grain is grown in the foothills of the Himalayas in the Indian Subcontinent and India alone accounts for about 66 per cent of the global production of the premium varieties of this crop.

Apart from its unique taste profile, it also has a low glycaemic index, making it one of the healthy varieties of rice, which is a staple food in several parts of the country and many other countries.

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