Safe cooking, guaranteed: New standards for aluminium and steel utensils set by India

The Government of India has introduced new rules to bolster kitchen safety and product integrity. Effective March 14, 2024, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has mandated the ISI mark on all stainless steel and aluminium utensils sold in the country.

Under this order, adherence to Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) criteria is now compulsory. Non-compliance will incur penalties, underscoring the government's commitment to consumer safety. These stringent standards are designed to ensure that kitchenware meets high-quality benchmarks, reflecting BIS's dedication to preserving culinary diversity while enhancing product reliability and consumer protection.

Aluminium utensils are essential in both household and professional kitchens. They are prized for their lightweight feel, exceptional heat conductivity, affordability, and long-lasting durability. Recently, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) introduced IS 1660:2024, a comprehensive guideline setting the benchmarks for both wrought and cast aluminium utensils up to 30 litres in capacity. This standard covers a range of specifications, including hard-anodized finishes and non-stick coatings without reinforcement.

Key components of IS 1660:2024 include:

• General requirements: Setting standards for the overall quality and thickness of materials.
• Classification and material grades: Ensuring compliance with appropriate grades outlined in IS 21 for wrought utensils and IS 617 for cast utensils.
• Fabrication and design: Detailing the requirements of shapes, dimensions, and craftsmanship to ensure high-quality utensils.
• Performance tests: Specific tests designed to assess durability and safety, particularly for aluminium lunch boxes.

This standard, IS 1660:2024, is a testament to the thoroughness of the aluminium utensil industry. It aims to uphold the highest material quality and performance standards, catering to diverse culinary needs with reliability and efficiency.

Stainless steel utensils have long been favoured in kitchens worldwide for their durability, versatility, and elegant appearance. Composed of an alloy of steel with chromium and other metals like nickel, molybdenum, and manganese, stainless steel is highly regarded for its superior corrosion resistance and robust mechanical properties. These attributes are formally recognised in the Indian Standard IS 14756:2022, which sets out requirements for various types of utensils used in cooking, serving, dining, and storage. The standard covers:

• Material requirements: Ensuring the safe composition of materials used in manufacturing.
• Shapes and dimensions: The standard focuses on establishing uniformity and practicality in utensil design, reassuring users about the usability of the utensils.
• Artistry and finish: Mandating high-quality craftsmanship and aesthetic appeal.
• Performance parameters: These include tests such as staining, mechanical shock, thermal shock, dry heat, coating thickness, nominal capacity, flame stability, and specific tests for utensils with tempered glass lids.