A recent Punjab news related to new fortified rice norms has created chaos among Punjab shellers. The new fortified grain norms are not only expected to raise the hackles of Punjab rice shellers but also created a concern among the rice traders. According to the new instructions by the central government related to the production and supply of Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK), FRK manufacturing units will first have to produce and stack the fortified rice. Only after the food ministry team collects samples in their presence and the test reports are found to be correct, can this FRK rice be procured by the Food Corporation of India for the public rice distribution system.
New Fortified Rice Norms Mounts Pressure on Milling Units
The new government norms related to rice processing and rice supply have mounted more pressure on Amritsar rice mills and other milling units across the state. Further, the order has no set timeframe for the samples to be cleared. This latest Punjab news related to rice industry points at heavy losses for the millers this season.
For the unversed, fortified rice is enriched with micronutrients such as iron, folic acid, B-complex vitamins, vitamin A and zinc. The new government norms come amidst the controversy of defective rice found in freshly milled 10% of the upgraded rice supplied to the FCI in the state from Bhogpur of Jalandhar district. The two technical officers were reportedly suspended and the FCI lab rejected the rice sample because the amount of chaff was more than 5%.
Strict FSSAI Norms Imposed Across the State
As per the food safety and standards authority of India, FSSAI Norms chaff above 5% is considered unfit for human consumption. Based on these norms, the FCI rejected the rice samples and acted against its officials. Notably, heavy rains and floods damaged paddy crop across the state. In this context, rice millers further said that the rain-affected paddy which are low in quality are affecting the quality of rice produced.
Milling units in Punjab have requested the central govt. to intervene in the matter and resolve the matter as soon as possible. They have further warned of heavy losses in case of negligence by the govt.
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