The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a Press Release specifying the identity standards for Basmati Rice (which includes Brown Basmati Rice, Milled Basmati Rice, Parboiled Brown Basmati Rice and Milled Parboiled Basmati Rice) through the issuance of the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) First Amendment Regulations, 2023 as notified under the Gazette of India.
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.