The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has released a draft of the Ghee Grading and Marking Rules, 2023. This initiative is exercised under the powers conferred by the Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marking) Act, 1937. These draft rules were published on December 13, 2023.
The draft rules are intended to supersede the existing Ghee Grading and Marking Rules, 1938, amended up to 1991.
Key Provisions of the Draft Rules:
- Grade Designation Mark:
- The grade designation mark will feature the “AGMARK Insignia”. This will include the certificate of authorization number, the word “AGMARK,” name of the commodity, and its grade.
- The use of Agmark Replica paper slip is permitted only for tin packing by authorized packers with permission from the Agricultural Marketing Adviser.
- Grade Designations and Quality:
- Grade designations indicating the quality of ghee and criteria for grade designation are also detailed in the draft rules.
- Quality standards for ghee production are also outlined.
- Method of Packing:
- Ghee shall be packed in suitable packaging material complying with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018, and Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011.
- Small pack sizes of the same lot or batch and grade may be packed in a master container.
- Each package must contain ghee of the same type and grade and be securely closed and sealed.
- Method of Marking:
- The Grade Designation Mark shall be affixed to or printed on each package as approved by the Agricultural Marketing Adviser.
- Additional particulars, including name of the commodity, grade, trade name, lot/batch number, date of packing, nutritional information, net weight, authorized packer’s details, maximum retail price, and more, shall be marked on each package.
- Special Conditions for Certificate of Authorization:
- Besides the conditions specified in the General Grading and Marking Rules, authorized packers must comply with additional conditions outlined in the draft rules.
- This includes the necessity for an in-house laboratory for complete analysis of raw milk, adherence to specific manufacturing processes, proper record-keeping, and maintenance of hygienic and sanitary conditions.
- Minimum Infrastructure Requirement:
- Certificate of Authorization for ghee production will be granted only to parties manufacturing ghee from milk in dairy plants meeting minimum infrastructure/facility requirements.
- Infrastructure prerequisites include permanent and well-maintained buildings, adequate water supply and drainage, separate storage rooms for packed ghee, and compliance with additional requirements specified by the Agricultural Marketing Adviser.
Public Input and Feedback:
- The Central Government invites objections or suggestions from the public regarding the draft rules before January 27, 2024.
- Concerned individuals can forward their objections or suggestions to the Agricultural Marketing Adviser, Directorate of Marketing and Inspection, Head Office, CGO Complex, NH – IV, Faridabad (Haryana) 121001.
This proposed overhaul of the Ghee Grading and Marking Rules, 2023, seeks to enhance the quality and standardization of ghee production and ensure the safety of ghee products in the market.
