Rice fortification is defined by FSSAI as “deliberately increasing the content of essential micronutrients in a food,” know the meaning of fortified rice kernels
The Union Cabinet authorised a strategy to provide fortified rice through government programmes on Friday, April 8. For supply and distribution, the Food Corporation of India and state agencies have already purchased 88.65 LMT (lakh tonnes) of fortified rice.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged the fortification of rice provided under different government programmes, including the public distribution system (PDS) and midday meals in schools, by 2024 in his Independence Day speech last year.
Rice Fortification: Fortified Rice Kernels Meaning Explained, What Are They Made Up Of And Process
Fortification is defined by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) as “deliberately increasing the content of essential micronutrients in a food so as to improve the nutritional quality of food and to provide public health benefits with minimal risk to health.”
Micronutrients may be added to normal rice using a variety of techniques, including coating, dusting, and ‘extrusion.’ The final of them includes utilising an ‘extruder’ machine to make reinforced rice kernels (FRKs) from a combination. It is said to be the most suitable technology for India.
To make fortified rice, the fortified rice kernels are mixed with ordinary rice.
What Is The Process For Making Fortified Rice Kernels Using An Extruder Machine?
Dry rice flour is combined with a micronutrient mixture before being blended with water. The mixture is extruded using a dual extruder with heating zones, yielding kernels that resemble rice in form and size. The kernels are dried, chilled, and packed in preparation for usage. The life span of fortified rice kernels is at least 12 months.
The form and size of the fortified rice kernel should “resemble the normal milled rice as closely as possible,” according to Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution rules. The grain length and width should be 5 mm and 2.2 mm, respectively, according to the specifications.
What Is The Importance Of Fortified Rice Kernels?
Malnutrition among mothers and children in India is quite prevalent. Every second woman in the country is anaemic, and every third kid is stunted, according to the Food Ministry.
Food fortification is thought to be one of the most effective ways to prevent malnutrition. Rice is a staple meal in India, consumed by almost two-thirds of the population. In India, per capita, rice consumption is 6.8 kilogramme per month. As a result, fortifying rice with vitamins is a viable alternative for supplementing the poor’s diet.
Fortification Standards
10 g of fortified rice kernels must be mixed with 1 kilogramme of normal rice, according to Ministry specifications.
Iron (28 mg-42.5 mg), folic acid (75-125 microgram), and vitamin B-12 are all present in 1 kilogramme of fortified rice, according to FSSAI standards (0.75-1.25 microgram). Zinc (10 mg-15 mg), vitamin A (500-750 microgram RE), vitamin B-1 (1 mg-1.5 mg), vitamin B-2 (1.25 mg-1.75 mg), vitamin B-3 (12.5 mg-20 mg), and vitamin B-6 (1.5 mg-2.5 mg) can all be added to rice per kilogramme.
Is There A Special Way To Prepare Fortified Rice Kernel?
There are no particular instructions for preparing fortified rice kernel. Before cooking, the rice must be cleaned and rinsed traditionally. Fortified rice keeps the same physical qualities and micronutrient levels after cooking as it did before.
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