The Fortified Rice Debate — Balanced Report

The Union Food Ministry disputed the Opposition’s charges about the distribution of Fortified Rice through fair price stores.

The practise of fortifying normal rice with critical elements to alleviate nutritional deficits in populations who rely primarily on rice as a staple food is referred to as fortification.
These additional nutrients are intended to boost rice’s nutritional value and fight specific deficits found in certain regions or demographic groups.
The rice grains are fortified by covering them with a nutrient-rich powder or premix.
The nutrients added to fortified rice vary, but generally include:
Iron: Iron is frequently added to reinforced rice to alleviate iron deficiency anaemia, a global nutritional concern.
Vitamins: To treat specific vitamin deficiencies in target populations, essential vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin B-complex (containing thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and folic acid), and vitamin D may be incorporated in fortified rice.
Minerals: Other minerals, such as zinc, calcium, and iodine, may be included into fortified rice, based on the target population’s specific nutritional needs and inadequacies.

According to the National Family Health Survey 2019-21, 57% of women in the reproductive age range (15-49) are iron deficient.
Furthermore, studies have indicated that around one-fifth of youngsters (0-5 years) who do not have access to a nutritious and diverse diet are vitamin-A deficient.
Vitamin D insufficiency is known as a silent epidemic.

Health: Fortified staple foods will have natural or near-natural levels of micronutrients, whereas supplements may not have.
Taste: It offers nutrients without altering the properties of food or the sequence of our meals.
Nutrition: Fortified foods, when ingested on a regular and frequent basis, will sustain body stores of nutrients more efficiently and effectively than sporadic supplementation.
Economical: The overall costs of fortification are quite modest; the price increase is just about 1 to 2 percent of the whole food value.
Society: It defends everyone’s right to safe and nutritious food, which is consistent with the right to adequate food and everyone’s fundamental right to be free from hunger.

Nature’s packing is thrown off by fortification and enrichment. When compared to naturally occurring nutrients, our bodies do not absorb individual nutrients added to processed foods as efficiently.
Bioavailability: Food supplements are less bioavailable. The proportion of a nutrient that your body can absorb and use is referred to as bioavailability.
Immune deficiencies: They are deficient in immune-boosting chemicals.
Overnutrition: For patients using prescription medications, fortified meals and supplements can bring unique hazards such as impaired absorption of other micronutrients, treatment failure, and increased mortality risk.

Thalassemia, sickle cell anaemia, and malaria are disorders in which the body already has an excess of iron, whereas TB patients are unable to absorb iron.
Consumption of iron-fortified meals by individuals with certain disorders can impair immunity and organ functionality.

The Ministry highlighted several studies to back up its claim that eating enriched rice leads to a considerable increase in haemoglobin levels and a decrease in the prevalence of anaemia.
Since 1958, seven nations, including the United States, have embraced rice fortification, demonstrating its usefulness as a public health intervention.
An ongoing review is being carried out by NITI Aayog in conjunction with the Indian Council of Medical Research to analyse the impact and effectiveness of fortified rice.
To acquire complete data and insights, evaluation studies concentrating on pilot districts are under underway.

Collaborative efforts should be prioritised between the Ministry, NITI Aayog, and other relevant institutions to conduct a complete and independent evaluation of the fortified rice programme.
Transparent sharing of evaluation results and findings is essential for building trust and addressing any potential flaws or areas for development.
Incorporating input and recommendations from stakeholders will be beneficial in improving the program’s execution and impact.
Continuous monitoring and evaluation of the program’s effectiveness should be prioritised, allowing for rapid modifications and enhancements.

Source: https://www.reporters-collective.in/trc/despite-internal-red-flags-and-uncertain-science-modi-govt-serves-fortified-rice-to-indias-poor