Fortification

Subject: Science and tech

Context:

FSSAI considering to make fortification of edible oil with Vitamin A, D mandatory

Concept:

• Food fortification – also known as food enrichment is when nutrients are added to food at higher levels than what the original food provides.
• This is done to address micronutrient deficiencies across populations, countries and regions.
• Governments working with industry, international agencies and NGOs have used this method to help reduce and eliminate micronutrient deficiencies in their populations.
• Fortification of centrally-processed staple foods is a simple, affordable and viable approach to reach large sections of a country’s population with iron, folic acid, and other essential micronutrients.
• Adding micronutrients to common staple foods can significantly improve the nutritional quality of the food supply and improve public health with minimal risk.
• The foods most commonly fortified are salt, wheat, corn, rice, bouillon cubes, soya sauce and other condiments.