The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has set the identity standards for Basmati Rice for the very first time. This will take effect from 1st August 2023.
The Unique Characteristics of Basmati Rice
Originating from India and certain regions of Pakistan, Basmati is a premium variety of rice grown in the foothills of the Himalayas on the Indian subcontinent. The unique qualities that it is world-renown for include its long grain size, fluffy texture, and an inherent aroma and flavour that separates it from other types of rice.
This particular rice is primarily cultivated in Indian states such as Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and western Uttar Pradesh. What contributes to the uniqueness of Basmati rice are the agro-climatic conditions of these areas, the method of harvesting, processing, and ageing of the rice.
India is the largest supplier of Basmati, accounting for two-thirds of its global supply. Because it is a premium quality rice that has a higher price than the non-basmati varieties, there is a tendency for Basmati rice to be subject to various types of adulteration for economic gains, such as blending it with other non-basmati rice varieties without disclosing it.
Establishing Standards for Basmati Rice
The standards for Basmati Rice have been established under the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) First Amendment Regulations, 2023. This aims to implement fair trading practices for Basmati rice and to protect consumer interest both domestically and globally.
These standards state that Basmati rice should maintain its natural fragrance, which is due to the presence of a chemical known as 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline. The rice should also be free from any artificial colouring, polishing agents, and artificial fragrances.
The standards also indicate the average size of Basmati grains and their elongation ratio after cooking. Furthermore, they set the maximum limits for moisture, amylose content, uric acid, defective or damaged grains, and the incidental presence of other non-basmati rice varieties.
Understanding the Role of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
FSSAI is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, GoI. It was established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which consolidated various acts and orders that had previously handled food-related issues in different Ministries and Departments.
Replacing several Acts and Orders like the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954, and the Fruit Products Order, 1955, the Food Standards and Safety Act, 2006 redefined the way India dealt with food safety and standards.
FSSAI is not under the charge of the Director General of Health Services, but is headed by a non-executive Chairperson appointed by the Central Government. This person needs to currently hold or have held a position not below the rank of Secretary to the GoI.
The main purpose behind the creation of FSSAI is to set science-based standards for food articles and regulate their manufacturing, storage, distribution, sale, and import for human consumption.