Centre Defends Fortified Rice Safety
- 18 Oct 2024
On 17th October 2024, the Centre defended the safety and expansion of its fortified rice program, dismissing concerns over multinational influence and asserting the initiative's role in combating micronutrient deficiencies.
Key Points
- Centre Reassures Safety of Fortified Rice: In response to safety concerns and accusations of catering to multinational companies, the Union Food Ministry affirmed that iron-fortified rice is a safe initiative aimed at tackling micronutrient deficiencies.
- Scientific Backing for Fortification: The government emphasized that India’s rice fortification program follows World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Scientific evidence supports the safety of fortified rice for all, including individuals with haemoglobinopathies such as Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anaemia.
- Packaging Advisory Debate: However, a scientific review questioned the need for such advisories, concluding that no global precedent exists for such labels, and current evidence shows no risk to these individuals from fortified rice consumption.
- Iron Absorption and Fortified Rice: The Ministry explained that the iron intake from fortified rice is minimal compared to blood transfusions in Thalassemia patients.
- Additionally, Sickle Cell Anaemia patients have naturally high levels of hepcidin, which limits iron absorption, mitigating any concerns about iron overload.
- Expansion of Rice Fortification Programme: Under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, 520 lakh metric tonnes of fortified rice are procured annually, supported by over 1,000 manufacturers and a robust supply infrastructure.
- Fortification Ecosystem in India: The total capacity for fortified rice production now stands at 223 lakh metric tonnes per month, far exceeding the demand.
