Kerala to get quality certified Pappadams from next year at no extra cost

Kochi: New quality norms will be put in place for ‘Pappadam’ starting from the next year. Kerala Pappadam Manufacturers Association (KPMA) is mulling over introducing a special imprint on ‘Pappadam’ packets certifying its quality. The move is expected to restrict the inflow of spurious ‘Pappadams’ into the market.

Over the last three months, the price of black gram which is a key ingredient in ‘Pappadams’ has increased by almost 40 rupees. It now stands at Rs 140/kg. As a result, ‘Pappadams’ made out of refined wheat flour started finding its way into the market. However, the ‘Pappadam’ sellers do not mention the ingredients on their cover, concealing the quality of their products. “The decision to introduce new printing on ‘Pappadam’ packets is expected to tighten the noose on those selling low-quality products,” says KPMA state general secretary Vineeth Prarath.

It is estimated that almost 70 lakh ‘Pappadams’ are being sold in Kerala every single day. The numbers escalate further during Onam and wedding seasons. Demand is relatively high for ‘Pappadam’ packets priced at Rs 20 and Rs 50 respectively. 

Meanwhile, customers need not spend extra money on buying ‘Pappadam’ packets with imprints certifying their quality. From now on, the bills of the ‘Pappadam’ manufacturing units will be thoroughly verified, there will be regular inspections at the units by the respective district committee members of KPMA. These measures are expected to keep a tab on the raw materials being used for production. Only units adhering to the norms will be allowed to carry the special imprints on their packets certifying the quality of the product. 

As per the figures, there are around 1,500 functional ‘Pappadam’ manufacturing units in the state. However, only 700 units are known to be part of KPMA.