Centre Says Fortified Rice Safe To Consume

The Union Food Ministry said scientific evidence suggested that iron-fortified rice was safe for consumption for everyone and people suffering from blood disorders such as Thalassemia and Sickle Cell anemia are not at risk of excessive iron absorption.

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• There were concerns of safety raised over the consumption of fortified rice and the complaint that the approval for its universal supply was to please certain multinational companies.
• Centre clarified that fortified rice was an ambitious initiative to combat micronutrient deficiencies.

What is Fortification?

• Fortification is the process of adding nutrients to food products that are not naturally present or are present in insufficient amounts.
• Rice Fortification: Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK), containing FSSAI prescribed micronutrients (Iron, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12)  are added to normal Rice in the ratio of 1:100 (Mixing 1 Kg of FRK with 100 Kg custom milled rice).
• Standard for Fortified rice: According to FSSAI norms 1 kg fortified rice shall contain Iron (28 mg-42.5 mg), folic acid (75-125 microgram) and Vitamin B-12 (0.75-1.25 microgram).
  • Fortified rice is nearly identical to traditional rice in aroma, taste, and texture. 
• Process is done in the rice mills at the time of milling of rice.

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Need of Rice Fortification

• India has very high levels of malnutrition among women and children.
• Iron deficiency affects more than two billion people globally causing anaemia, weakness, impaired learning and increased risk of infections and maternal mortality.
• Rice is a staple diet for one-third of the Global Population and the majority of the population in India rely on rice.
• Distribution of Fortified Rice through Public Dstribution System can help India fight against the problem of Malnutrition and Anaemia.

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