Q. What is the news?
A. Experts have warned of the adverse impacts on health and livelihoods because of Food Fortification.
Q. What’s the issue?
A. Centre has plans to mandatorily fortify rice and edible oils with vitamins and minerals.
But, experts say adding a few synthetic micronutrients could harm the health of consumers.
Q. What is the background of it?
A. 15 States have been identified for implementing Centrally Sponsored Pilot Scheme on Fortification of Rice & its distribution through Public Distribution System.
Q. What are the Issues associated with fortification?
A.
Q. What needs to be done?
A. Undernourishment in India is caused by monotonous cereal-based diets with low consumption of vegetables and animal protein. So, instead of fortification of food, dietary diversity is a healthier and more cost-effective way to fight malnutrition.
Q. What is food fortification?
A. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), food fortification is defined as the practice of deliberately increasing the content of essential micronutrients so as to improve the nutritional quality of the food supply and to provide a public health benefit with minimal risk to health.