Govt okays universal supply of fortified rice till December 2028; concerns regarding indiscriminate supply without health warnings remain

Sub : Sci

Sec: Health

Context:

The Centre has approved the continuation of universal fortified rice distribution under all Union government schemes, including Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), from July 2024 to December 2028.
Rice fortification will remain fully funded by the central government as part of PMGKAY.

What is Rice Fortification?

Fortification is the process of adding essential micronutrients to food (rice, in this case) to improve its nutritional quality.
Nutrients added to rice include iron, folic acid, vitamins B-12, B-1, B-2, B-3, B-6, zinc, and vitamin A.

Why Rice Fortification?

India is the second-largest producer and consumer of rice, accounting for 20% of global production.
A third of the Indian population depends on rice for sustenance.
Malnutrition rates in India are high, with half of the women anaemic and one-third of children stunted.
Fortifying rice is seen as a measure to combat this issue, especially in poor communities where rice consumption is high (6.8 kg per capita per month).

Concerns Over Fortification:

Health Risks:
- Fortified rice may pose health risks to people with blood disorders like thalassemia and sickle cell disease, as consuming excess iron can cause complications such as organ failure.
- Both the Food Safety and Standards (Fortification of Foods) Regulation, 2018 and global research highlight the need for medical supervision for such patients.
- Fortified products carry warnings for individuals with these conditions, but the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed removing these warning labels, sparking concern.
Supreme Court Intervention:
- In October 2023, the Supreme Court directed the Centre to address concerns about the indiscriminate distribution of iron-fortified rice to those suffering from thalassemia and sickle cell disease.

Is Fortification Necessary?

Evidence suggests iron deficiency is not universal and does not require a mandatory, widespread solution.
Critics argue that fortification is not the only solution and stress the need for dietary diversification. The National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) recommends that less than 40% of daily calories should come from cereals, including rice.

Alternative Solutions:

There is a call for long-term, sustainable solutions focused on dietary diversity rather than a one-size-fits-all approach like fortification.
Community involvement and local dietary diversification are emphasized as better solutions to address malnutrition.

Source: DTE