FSSAI has set up a new Scientific Panel on Food Fortification and Nutrition to address issues related to fortification of food.
Food fortification is the proven and effective strategy to meet nutritional needs across various sections of the society, Minister of State for Health Anupriya Patel said on Sunday.
Food regulator FSSAI has sought public comments on draft standards for fortification of seven food items - salt, oil, milk, vanaspati, atta, maida and rice.
According to a recent survey, no more than 12 per cent of beverages and 16 per cent of foods sold by nine leading Indian food and beverage companies were of "high nutritional quality".
Big food companies like Cargill, Future group and Tata Global Beverages have shown interest in launching fortified food items to fight malnutrition.
The scientists have come out with a new strategy to fortify staple foods with vital nutrients like iron and vitamin A, by encapsulating them in a biocompatible polymer BMC, which can prevent the loss of ...