FOOD FORTIFICATION

Published on 17 Feb 2025

Food fortification is the process of adding vitamins, minerals or other micronutrients to food items during the production process. Currently, more than 70% of India’s population consumes less than the daily recommended levels of micronutrients.

Need for India to adopt food fortification

✔     Prevention of nutrient deficiencies: Fortifying foods with essential nutrients helps prevent deficiencies that can lead to various health problems.

●      Example: Adding vitamin D to milk can prevent rickets, a condition associated with a lack of this vitamin.

✔     Improved public health: Food fortification is a cost-effective public health strategy to address widespread nutrient deficiencies in populations, particularly those who may not have access to a diverse and balanced diet.

●      Example: Use of iodine-fortified salt is a cost-effective method to promote thyroid health.

✔     Reduced healthcare costs: By preventing and reducing the incidence of nutrient deficiencies, the healthcare costs associated with treating related health conditions can be reduced.

✔     Enhance cognitive development: Providing adequate nutrition can improve cognitive function, thus improving the educational outcomes and productivity of children.

●      Example: Fortification using iron, vitamin B and iodine can improve brain functioning.

✔     Reduce anaemia rates: Fortifying food with iron and other micronutrients can improve blood health and aid in reducing anaemia prevalence.

Challenges to food fortification in India

✔     Lack of consumer acceptance: Consumers may be hesitant to accept fortified foods due to concerns about taste, appearance and possible side effects of fortified food.

●      Example: There has been less acceptance for fortified food as there were reports that fortified food increases the risk of sickle cell anaemia among tribals.

✔     Equitable distribution: Ensuring that fortified foods reach all segments of the population, including vulnerable and marginalised groups, can be challenging.

✔     Overconsumption and toxicity: Risk of overconsumption of certain nutrients, leading to toxicity and thus having a negative impact on public health.

●      Example: Fat-soluble vitamins like A and D must be consumed only in the requisite amount.

✔     Lack of awareness: About the benefits of fortification among consumers, healthcare providers and policymakers can hinder the success of programs.

●      Example: Misinformation regarding fortified rice as plastic rice indicates the lack of awareness among the public about fortification.

✔     Loss of natural protective substances: Natural food contains substances such as phytochemicals and polyunsaturated fat that are adversely affected by the process of blending micronutrients.

By taking adequate remedial steps and focusing on targeted implementation, India can ensure that fortified foods are widely available and accessible to all, particularly to vulnerable populations such as tribals, women, rural areas and children. This can also lead to the achievement of SDG 2-Zero hunger and SDG 3-Good health and well-being

Tags:
Social Justice

Keywords:
Food fortification Hunger Micronutrients

Syllabus:
General Studies Paper 2

Topics:
Social Justice