Discover how FSSAI's efforts to promote food fortification have shown promising results in improving the nutritional status of the population. Explore the challenges faced by food businesses in implementing food fortification.
Food fortification is a process of adding essential micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals to food to improve its nutritional quality. It is a cost-effective and sustainable approach to address the issue of malnutrition and its related health consequences. India has one of the highest rates of malnutrition in the world, with over 50% of children under the age of five and women suffering from various forms of malnutrition.
In recent years, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has played a crucial role in promoting food fortification to improve the health and well-being of the population. This article will explore the role of FSSAI in promoting food fortification in India and its impact on public health.
What is FSSAI?
FSSAI stands for the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, an autonomous body that regulates food safety and standards in India. It was established in 2006 under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and is responsible for setting food safety and quality standards for all food products sold in the country.
FSSAI also regulates the manufacturing, processing, packaging, distribution, and sale of food products to ensure they are safe and of good quality.
FSSAI’s Role in Promoting Food Fortification
FSSAI has recognised the importance of food fortification in addressing the issue of malnutrition in India. In 2016, FSSAI made it mandatory to fortify wheat flour with iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12, and edible oil with vitamins A and D.
This move aimed to improve the nutritional quality of staple foods consumed by a large proportion of the population. FSSAI has also provided guidelines for fortifying milk, rice, and salt, other commonly consumed food items in India.
In addition to making fortification mandatory, FSSAI has taken various other measures to promote food fortification in India. It has launched a nationwide campaign called ‘Rashtriya Poshan Abhiyaan’ to raise awareness about the importance of nutrition and food fortification.
FSSAI has also partnered with various stakeholders such as the World Food Programme, UNICEF, and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition to promote food fortification in India. These partnerships have helped FSSAI in developing technical guidelines and training programs for food businesses to implement food fortification.
Impact of FSSAI’s Efforts
FSSAI’s efforts in promoting food fortification have shown promising results in improving the nutritional status of the population. According to a study conducted by FSSAI in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research, fortifying wheat flour with iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 has led to a significant increase in these levels of micronutrients in the diets of the population.
The study also found that the prevalence of anaemia, a common health condition caused by iron deficiency, has decreased among women and children in the country. Similarly, fortification of edible oil with vitamins A and D has also led to an increase in the levels of these micronutrients in the population’s diets.
This has positively impacted the population’s health, particularly in reducing the incidence of vitamin A deficiency, which can cause blindness in children.
FSSAI’s efforts in promoting food fortification have also been recognized internationally. In 2020, FSSAI won the ‘International Fortification Excellence Award’ for its contribution to wheat flour and edible oil fortification in India.
Challenges Faced by FSSAI
While FSSAI’s efforts in promoting food fortification have been commendable, it still faces several challenges. One of the main challenges is the need for more awareness among the population about the benefits of fortification. Despite the awareness campaigns launched by FSSAI, many people still need to be made aware of the concept of food fortification and its benefits. This makes it challenging for food businesses to market fortified foods, which can affect their sales.
Another challenge faced by FSSAI is the need for proper infrastructure and technical expertise for food fortification. Many small-scale food businesses need the necessary equipment or knowledge to implement food fortification. This requires significant investments in infrastructure and technical expertise, which can be a barrier for many businesses, particularly in rural areas.
Conclusion
Food fortification has emerged as a crucial intervention to address malnutrition in India. FSSAI has played a crucial role in promoting fortification and has made it mandatory to fortify wheat flour and edible oil with essential micronutrients. FSSAI has also partnered with various stakeholders to promote food fortification and has launched awareness campaigns to educate people about the benefits of fortified foods.
It is essential to continue the momentum and work towards making fortification accessible to everyone, especially in rural areas, to improve the health and well-being of the population.
Vakilsearch, a leading legal services provider in India, an help food businesses navigate the legal and regulatory requirements related to food fortification. Vakilsearch’s team of experts can assist businesses in obtaining necessary licenses and registrations, drafting contracts with suppliers and distributors, and ensuring compliance with FSSAI regulations.
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