FSSAI Notifies Regulatory Standards For Basmati Rice, To Be Enforced From 1 August

In a first for India, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has specified the identity standards to ensure supply of standardised genuine basmati rice in domestic and exports markets.

The standards, which will be enforced from 1 August 2023, have been notified for all types of basmati rice including brown basmati rice, milled basmati rice, parboiled brown basmati rice and milled parboiled basmati rice.

Basmati rice is a premium variety of rice cultivated in the Himalayan foothills of the Indian sub-continent and is universally known for its long grain size, fluffy texture and unique inherent 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 contributes to the uniqueness of basmati rice.

Due to its unique quality attributes, Basmati is a widely consumed variety of rice both domestically and globally and India accounts for two thirds of its global supply.

"Therefore, in order to ensure supply of standardised genuine Basmati rice in domestic and export markets, FSSAI has notified regulatory standards for Basmati rice that have been framed through extensive consultations with the concerned government departments/agencies and other stakeholders as well," the ministry said.

As per the new FSSAI standards, Basmati rice will "possess natural fragrance characteristic of basmati rice and be free from artificial colouring, polishing agents and artificial fragrances".

The FSSAI standards also specify various identity and quality parameters for basmati rice such as 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.

The standards are aimed at establishing fair practices in the trade of Basmati rice and protect consumer interest, both domestically and globally, the ministry said.