Did you know that basmati, often faces blending and adulteration of non-basmati rice variants, broken grains, and other impurities? And this is not just a violation of the fair-trade policy but is also unfair to consumers who do not get what they pay for.
To put an end to this rampant blending in basmati, FSSAI has released regulatory standards to distinguish pure basmati from its adulterated counterparts. This regulation is under the Food Safety and Standards First Amendment Regulations, 2023, and is effective from 1st August 2023.
Detecting adulteration in Basmati rice requires a keen eye and attention to detail. Discover some key ways through which you can spot adulteration.
Different varieties of Basmati rice have distinct characteristics. Focus on the specific variety you’ve purchased and compare its appearance to the authentic variety. Look for differences in grain length, color, and shape.
Authentic Basmati rice grains are known for their elongated length. If you observe a mix of unusually short and long grains in the rice, it could indicate adulteration.
Authentic Basmati rice maintains its elongated grains and has a distinct, non-sticky texture with thinner grains. Adulterated rice often becomes overly sticky or clumps together, and the grains may be thicker in texture.
Each variety of Basmati rice has a unique aroma attributed to natural volatile compounds, primarily 2-acetyl-1-pyroline. If the rice lacks the characteristic sweet aroma of the specific variety you purchased, it could be adulterated with lower-quality rice or other grains.
If the price of the Basmati rice seems too good to be true, it might be worth investigating further. Unusually low prices could be a sign of adulteration or mixing with non-Basmati rice.
Opt for reputable brands that are known for their quality. Established brands are more likely to adhere to regulations and maintain product authenticity.
Check the packaging for relevant certifications, batch numbers, manufacturing date, and other details. Authentic products usually have clear and professional packaging.
If possible, buy Basmati rice from trusted sources such as reliable grocery stores or reputable online platforms.
Read the label carefully. If the label indicates a specific variety of Basmati rice, ensure that the appearance and aroma match that variety.
After cooking, authentic Basmati rice retains its characteristic elongated grains. If the cooked rice appears different from what you’d expect, it might be adulterated.
If you notice inconsistencies in the rice, such as mixed colors or sizes, it could indicate adulteration.
Ensure that the packaging is properly sealed and intact. Broken or tampered packaging could suggest adulteration.
Kindly Note: While these signs can help identify potential adulteration, they are not foolproof. If you have doubts about the authenticity of Basmati rice you’ve purchased, consider seeking guidance from reliable sources, such as consumer protection agencies or the manufacturer’s customer service.
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