Not enough evidence on fortification as solution to nutritional security, says Report
India Today
Greenpeace India released a report based on Right to Information (RTI) queries, saying that there is not enough evidence to support the government's claim that fortification leads to nutritional security.
Greenpeace India on Friday released a report based on Right to Information (RTI) queries, saying that there is not enough evidence to support the government's claim that fortification leads to nutritional security.
The government planned to tackle the problem of nutritional deficiency in India by introducing fortified rice through Public Distribution Systems (PDS) and Mid-Day Meals (MDMs). The nationwide policy on fortification is expected to be implemented by 2024.
According to reports, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs could not provide any specific survey or data when asked the basis for the pilot project of rice fortification.
"The Ministry mentioned that the National Family Health Survey- 4 (NFHS-4) survey was taken into consideration for approving the Scheme or a period of three years beginning in 2019-20," the report said.
“The fortification project is not formulated from a sound medical science point of view. Anaemia is caused by multiple deficiencies such as iron, Vitamin C, B6, B12, folic acid, Cu. and Mg to name a few. Any one food item cannot provide all nutrients in adequate amounts. Solutions to anemia, hunger and malnutrition can only be resolved by introducing diverse foods like several cereals, pulses, fruits, vegetables and even animal foods into the diet rather than looking for a one bullet solution like fortification,” said Dr Veena Shatrugna, Former Deputy Director of the National Institute of Nutrition.
The report stated that ICMR has not conducted any study to ascertain the impact of chemically fortified food. Interestingly, ICMR had said that it did conduct a controlled study in government primary school children (5-11 year age group) on chemically fortified rice served as part of their mid-day meal.
"But their findings showed, iron fortified rice has a similar effect as mid-day meal on improvement in anemia, which raises doubts on the government’s assumptions that fortified rice could be helpful in eradicating anemia," the report said.
