-APS Noorpuri
Chandigarh, September 1, 2023: Dr. Abhinav Trikha, IAS, the Commissioner of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India in Punjab, underscored the critical importance of establishing and rigorously upholding standards in the food industry. Speaking at the ‘Basmati Rice No Compromise’ conclave held at Hotel Taj in Chandigarh, Dr. Trikha emphasized the need to not only set quality benchmarks but also to verify their adherence.
Promoting Healthy Eating through Public Awareness
The event, organized by KRBL Limited’s renowned India Gate Basmati Rice brand in collaboration with the Eat Right India initiative under the aegis of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), marked the Chandigarh leg of the nationwide ‘Basmati Rice No Compromise’ public interest education and awareness campaign.
As new regulations came into effect on August 1, 2023, India Gate Basmati Rice took the lead in championing healthier dietary choices, advocating for balanced nutrition, and fostering a greater understanding of food safety among consumers across India. Simultaneously, the campaign aimed to raise widespread awareness about the recently introduced FSSAI regulations governing identity standards for Basmati Rice.
An Initiative in Public Interest
KRBL, the driving force behind the ‘Basmati Rice No Compromise’ Conclave, launched the initiative in the presence of Dr. Abhinav Trikha, IAS, Commissioner of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, Punjab.
Dr. Abhinav Trikha expressed his satisfaction with the initiative’s efforts to raise awareness through such conclaves. He acknowledged that with development come challenges related to maintaining quality standards. Dr. Trikha stated, “It is crucial to not only establish standards but also ensure rigorous testing and compliance to address such issues. While our country has been somewhat behind in food safety, significant progress has been made. Now, the focus has shifted to effectively combatting adulteration. It’s time to distinguish between the standard and sub-standard materials.”
He also highlighted India’s reputation for high-quality Basmati rice and emphasized that events like these play a pivotal role in addressing any existing gaps.
In conclusion, Dr. Abhinav Trikha’s insights underline the need for unwavering commitment to food quality and safety standards, reinforcing the message that adherence to these standards is pivotal for the well-being of both consumers and the food industry as a whole. Through initiatives like ‘Basmati Rice No Compromise,’ the nation takes a significant step towards achieving this goal.
Mr. Ayush Gupta, Business Head, India Market, KRBL Limited and a Basmati Rice industry leader, said, “We laud the FSSAI for their visionary approach in establishing identity standards for Basmati Rice. These regulations will undoubtedly bolster consumer confidence in the authenticity and safety of our cherished Basmati rice, both within India and in the global arena. As the World’s No. 1 Basmati Rice Brand, India Gate has always been committed to maintaining the integrity of the Basmati grain through compliance, and these regulations align perfectly with our mission to deliver the finest Basmati rice to consumers worldwide.
