Question

Given below are two statements:
Statement (I): Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is permitted synthetic antioxidant by FSSAI
Statement (II): FSSAI permits the addition of annato colour to buffalo ghee.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below.

• A. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are correct
• B. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are incorrect
• C. Statement (I) is correct but Statement (II) is incorrect
• D. Statement (I) is incorrect but Statement (II) is correct

Hint:

Remember the additive rules for ghee:
- Antioxidants (like BHA) \(\rightarrow\) Permitted up to 0.02% (200 ppm).
- Coloring/Flavoring agents \(\rightarrow\) Strictly prohibited (ghee must contain only milk fat).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Regulatory bodies establish standards for the use of food additives (such as antioxidants and colorings) in dairy products to ensure food safety and prevent consumer deception.
Under FSSAI regulations, different rules apply to synthetic antioxidants and coloring agents in fat-rich dairy products like ghee.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate both statements:
-Statement (I): "Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is permitted synthetic antioxidant by FSSAI"
This statement is correct.
Ghee is a fat-rich product susceptible to oxidative rancidity during storage.
FSSAI allows the addition of specific synthetic antioxidants to ghee and other fat spreads to prevent lipid oxidation and extend shelf life.
Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is permitted in ghee up to a maximum limit of \(0.02\%\) by weight (200 ppm).
-Statement (II): "FSSAI permits the addition of annato colour to buffalo ghee."
This statement is incorrect.
Under FSSAI standards, ghee must be completely free from any added coloring or flavoring substances.
Buffalo ghee is naturally white because buffaloes convert carotene into vitamin A, whereas cow ghee has a natural yellow tint due to active carotenoid pigments.
Adding coloring agents (such as annatto or turmeric) to buffalo ghee to make it look like cow ghee is considered adulteration and is strictly prohibited by FSSAI.
Therefore, Statement (I) is correct but Statement (II) is incorrect.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Statement (I) is correct but Statement (II) is incorrect, which corresponds to Option (C).