Rice Fortification

Rice Fortification

Part of: GS Prelims and GS – III – Food Processing

What is food fortification?

• According to the WHO, fortification is the process of increasing the content of an essential micronutrient, such as vitamins or minerals, in a food item to improve its nutritional value and provide public health benefits at minimal cost.
• It has minimal effects on taste and cooking properties while at the same time adding multiple nutrients to cure multiple deficiencies.
• It also has minimal behaviour change, unlike supplements.
• For example, milk is often fortified with vitamin D, and calcium may be added to fruit juices.
• Rice is the fifth item to get the government’s fortification push after salt, edible oil, milk and wheat.

How to fortify rice?

• According to the norms of the Food and Safety Standards Authority of India, 1 kg of fortified rice must contain iron (28mg-42.5mg), folic acid (75-125 mg) and vitamin B-12 (0.75-1.25mg).
• Usual milled rice is low in micronutrient content because its nutrient-rich superficial layer is removed during rice milling and polishing operations. This makes the grain taste better and visually appealing but less nutritious.
• Rice can be fortified by adding a micronutrient powder containing iron, folic acid and other B-complex vitamins, vitamin A and zinc, which then sticks to the grains.

The Significance

• Malnutrition especially child malnutrition is a major threat to the growth and development of children.
  • According to a National Family Health Survey report, India has the largest burden of iron-deficiency and anaemia worldwide.
  • About 59% of children and 50% of pregnant women are anaemic in India.
  • Child and maternal malnutrition accounts for 15% of India’s total disease burden.
  • The country reportedly loses around 1 per cent of GDP (Rs 1.35 lakh crore) every year due to iron-deficiency anaemia.
• Micronutrient deficiencies or ‘hidden hunger’ also continue to pose significant public health problems in Indian populations.
• Therefore, the decision to fortify rice was taken to address the malnutrition and lack of essential nutrients especially among poor women and poor children.
• Government distributes more than 300 lakh tonnes of rice to 81 crore people under schemes covered under National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013.

News Source: PIB