The Food Safety Standards Authority of India (“FSSAI”) had rolled out a revised comprehensive set of ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ (“FAQs”), along with the answers on the Food Safety and Standards (Fortification of Foods) Regulations, 2018 (“Regulations”).
In addition to the previous questions, the following questions have been addressed:
- How does fortification address the sentiments of vegetarian people?
Ans. The fortificants that are used are of PLANT ORIGIN, and hence good for all, without conflicting with religious / cultural beliefs of people. In particular, for Vitamin D, the Regulations, clearly mentions the source of nutrient as “only from plant source”.
- Are other Government Bodies supporting fortification?
Ans. Nutrition is at the centre stage of the National Development Agenda with respect to Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a clear focus on reduction of maternal, infant and
young child mortality. India’s 10th, 11th and 12th Plan documents recommend fortification of staples with micronutrients. In order to achieve targeted outcomes over the next five years (2022), envisioned by the National Nutrition Strategy on “Kuposhan Mukt Bharat”, food fortification has been identified as one of the strategies for implementation. Further, both the Anaemia Mukt Bharat and POSHAN Abhiyaan have recognized food fortification in addition to supplementation and diet diversification as an intervention to curb micronutrient deficiencies.
- How was the policy environment created for fortification?
Ans. The secretaries of leading line ministries namely, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Women and Child Development and Department of Food and Public Distribution had written to FSSAI vide no 25/16/2015-Nutrition Desk dated 23rd May, 2016 that as per the recommendation of the task group of the committee constituted by MWCD, FSSAI should bring out comprehensive regulation/legislation under the FSSAI Act 2006 and FSSAI Regulations, 2011 to ensure effective and sustainable fortification, this should be inclusive of standards and other related provisions for fortified wheat flour, rice, oil, milk and DFS salt and other fortified products.
- What advocacy measures have been taken up so that awareness around food fortification can be increased?
Ans. There have been many measures taken up through workshops, radio shows, commercials etc to educate consumers regarding fortification. The POSHAN abhiyaan showed activities carried out by States and UTs to promote food fortification. One of the key messages of Eat Right India Movement is consumption of fortified foods.
Source: Food Safety Standards Authority of India
