Category: Food Fortifications

Ministry of Finance has already fixed pricing of active ingredients. The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority has notified prices of over 350 bulk drugs which includes all vitamins. There is a Drug Price Control Order that exists in India for a while now which prevents manufacturers not to sell their product above the ceiling (notified) price. […]

“Rice, when fortified, shall contain added iron, folic acid and Vitamin B-12 at the level given in the table below:

There are three main technologies available to produce fortified rice. They are: coating, extrusion and dusting. In the coating method, the nutrient (vitamin or mineral mix) is combined with ingredients such as waxes and gums. It is then sprayed on the surface of rice grains in several layers. This is then blended with polished rice […]

All varieties of rice can be fortified; however this will require tailoring of fortified kernels accordingly.

Fortification has no impact on the shelf life of the product. Shelf life of flour is largely influenced by the moisture content of flour, storage temprature, microbial contamination, hygiene and sanitation practices.

Government of India, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, provides financial assistance to entrepreneurs for setting up food processing industries, including up- gradation/ modernization of food processing industries for fortification. Following link provides all details: http://mofpi.nic.in/ContentPage.aspx?CategoryId=233

When vitamins are added externally to edible oil to enhance its nutritional value, it is called edible oil Fortification. Any type of oil like Soybean Oil, Palmolein Oil, Groundnut Oil, Cotton Seed Oil, Mustard Oil can be fortified.

“Recent National Nutrition Monitoring Bureau (NNMB) survey and a Report of the expert group of ICMR in 2012 has stated that India has very high burden of Vitamin A and D deficiencies, amongst both young children and adults particularly in urban areas are physically less active and have a very limited exposure to sunlight.

Oil Fortification technology is simple. Equipment are readily available and the concept, technology and quality control procedures are well established for sustained production within India. Hence, appropriately and adequately fortified oil can be made available through the regular open market commercial channels or through the public funded programmes like the ICDS, MDM and PDS

“Micronutrients are the nutrients which are required in miniscule amount by body but have important role to play in the body functions. Vitamins and minerals are classified as micronutrients. Micronutrients help in formation of hormones and enzymes.

“Experiences in countries that are already fortifying edible oil (United States since 1930, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Morocco, Yemen, Pakistan, Tanzania, Indonesia, Uganda) show that fortified edible oil is completely safe for consumers and the benefits are enormous.

WHO has released the guidelines for Fortification of staple foods, in which it recommends edible oil Fortification.

Premix should be stored at 20-25 degree centigrade temperature, in a cool, dry place, preferably in an air-conditioned room

No, never. Premix has micronutrients in the range of million grams or million international units, which is toxic for the body if consumed directly.

Milk processing and packaging dairies can state that their product (milk) is fortified with vitamins. But they need to indicate levels of added micronutrients on the label, as is required by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) Notification, New Delhi, dated the 1st August, 2011, F.No. 2-15015/30/2010