Weekly Current Affairs

Economy
Agriculture
FSSAI Standards For Basmati Rice
Context
• For the first time in the country, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has
specified the identity standards for Basmati Rice (including Brown Basmati Rice, Milled
Basmati Rice, Parboiled Brown Basmati Rice and Milled Parboiled Basmati Rice).
Detailed Information
• These standards will be enforced w.e.f 1st August, 2023.
• As per these standards, Basmati rice shall possess natural fragrance characteristic of basmati
rice and be free from artificial colouring, polishing agents and artificial fragrances.
• They 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.
• They are aimed at establishing fair practices in the trade of Basmati rice and protect
consumer interest.
Analysis for Prelims
• Background Information on 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 inherent aroma and
flavour.
• India accounts for two thirds of global supply of Basmati rice.
• Being a premium quality rice and fetching a price higher than the non-basmati varieties,
Basmati rice is prone to various types of adulteration which may include, among others,
undeclared blending of other non-basmati varieties of rice.
• Therefore, in order to ensure supply of standardised genuine Basmati rice in domestic and
export markets, FSSAI has notified regulatory standards for Basmati rice.
Background Information on FSSAI
• Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a statutory body established
under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India.
• FSSAI has been established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
 • FSSAI is responsible for protecting and promoting public health through the regulation
and supervision of food safety.
• FSSAI is headed by a non-executive chairperson, appointed by the Central Government.
• It consists of a chairperson & 22 members.
• FSSAI has its headquarters at New Delhi and has 6 regional offices located in Delhi,
Guwahati, Mumbai, Kolkata, Cochin, and Chennai.
• The following are the statutory powers that the FSS Act, 2006 gives to FSSAI:
o Framing of regulations to lay down food safety standards
o Laying down guidelines for accreditation of laboratories for food testing
o Providing scientific advice and technical support to the Central Government
o Contributing to the development of international technical standards in food
o Collecting and collating data regarding food consumption, contamination, emerging
risks, etc.
o Disseminating information and promoting awareness about food safety and
nutrition in India.
Prelims Related Question
Q) Consider the following statements: (2018)
1. The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 replaced the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act,
1954.
2. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is under the charge of Director
General of Health Services in the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer A