NEWS

The Union Cabinet approved a scheme to distribute fortified rice under government programmes

RICE FORTIFICATION

WHAT – addition of key vitamins and minerals to increase the nutritional value of rice.

WHAT IT CONTAINS – Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B12, Folic Acid, Iron and Zinc.

WHAT ARE THE METHODS AVAILABLE –

• Depends on the local technology available, costs and other preferences.
• Can be fortified by adding a micronutrient powder to the rice that adheres to the grains or spraying the surface of ordinary rice grains in several layers with a vitamin and mineral mix to form a protective coating.
• Can also be extruded and shaped into partially pre-cooked grain-like structures resembling rice grains, which can then be blended with natural polished rice.
• Can be fortified with several micronutrients, such as iron, folic acid and other B-complex vitamins, vitamin A and zinc.

NORMS OF FSSAI  : 1 kg fortified rice shall contain iron (28mg-42.5mg), folic acid (75-125 microgram) and Vitamin B-12 (0.75-1.25 microgram). In addition, rice may also be fortified with micronutrients, singly or in combination, at the level– zinc(10mg-15mg), Vitamin A (500-750 microgram RE), Vitamin B1 (1mg-1.5mg), Vitamin B2 (1.25mg-1.75mg), Vitamin B3 (12.5mg-20mg) and Vitamin B6 (1.5mg-2.5mg) per Kg.