Govt okays universal supply of fortified rice till December 2028; concerns regarding indiscriminate supply without health warnings remain
- October 10, 2024
- Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
- Category: DPN Topics
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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