Question

According to AGMARK Ghee Grading and Marketing Rules Schedule IIIA the moisture content of special grade ghee should not be more than....... %.

• A. 0.1
• B. 0.2
• C. 0.3
• D. 0.4

Hint:

While both Special and General grades have a maximum moisture limit of \(0.3\%\), they differ in their maximum permitted Free Fatty Acid (FFA) content, where Special Grade has a lower limit (max \(1.4\%\) as oleic acid) compared to General Grade (max \(2.5\%\) as oleic acid).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Ghee, or clarified butterfat, is a widely consumed dairy product in India and other Asian tions.
To maintain quality standards and protect consumers from adulteration, the Directorate of Marketing and Inspection (DMI) of the Government of India regulates ghee under the AGMARK standards.
These standards prescribe specific physical and chemical parameters for different grades of ghee.

Step 2: Detailed Explation:
The AGMARK standards classify ghee into two primary commercial grades: Special Grade (which carries a red label) and General Grade (which carries a green label).
Both grades must comply with strict physical-chemical limits, including moisture content, free fatty acid (FFA) levels, and Baudouin test results.
According to Schedule IIIA of the AGMARK Ghee Grading and Marketing Rules, the moisture content of both Special Grade and General Grade ghee must not exceed \(0.3\%\) by weight.
Controlling the moisture level is vital for the preservation of ghee.
Excessive moisture promotes microbial growth, lipolytic rancidity, and the hydrolysis of triacylglycerols, leading to a reduction in shelf life and the development of off-flavors.
Therefore, maintaining the moisture content below the regulatory threshold of \(0.3\%\) is a key requirement for quality certification.

Step 3: Fil Answer:
The correct option is (C).