Food adulteration has become a major cause of concern amid the ever-increasing competition among corporates. In recent times, it has been observed that some corporates, to make their Fast Moving Consumer Products (FMCGs) more salable, have resorted to inappropriate memes like adding artificial flavor and color to food grains.
Basmati rice – considered the most popular form of rice in the country – has also been a victim of adulteration.
Taking into account some of the recent complaints, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has specified the identification standards for Basmati rice – it has regulated the standards to maintain the natural aroma and quality of Basmati rice. The comprehensive regulatory standards will come into effect from August 1.
What are regulatory standards?
As per the standards the natural aroma of Basmati rice has to be maintained. No artificial color and artificial fragrance can be added to Basmati rice. These standards apply to Brown Basmati Rice, Milled Basmati Rice, Usna Rice, Milled Basmati Usna Brown Basmati Rice.
The standards also specify various identification and quality parameters for basmati rice such as average grain size and elongation ratio after cooking, maximum moisture content, amylose content, uric acid, defective/damaged grains and other non-basmati rice. sudden appearance.
India is the largest exporter of basmati rice
India is the largest exporter of basmati rice worth around Rs 30,000 crore every year. New Delhi has also applied for GI tag for basmati in the European Union.
What is basmati rice?
Basmati is long grain aromatic rice traditionally grown in Himalayan foothills, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Uttarakhand. Its specialty is that its grains are longer and have a more soft and friable texture when cooked. Basmati rice is unique among other aromatic long grain rice varieties.