FOOD FORTIFICATION: A NUTRITIONAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY IN INDIA
Although the concept and implementation of food fortification are not novel in India, still since Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) introduced it mandatory, the paradigm of food fortification has been broadened. In the current regulation, common staple foods such as wheat flour, rice, edible oil, milk in addition to salt, and Vanaspati have been selected as food vehicle for different micronutrient fortifications. In the present review, we discussed different policies and strategies to address the public health problem associated with nutritional deficiencies with a special emphasis on food fortification. We used data and information in regard to different policies and food fortification published on governmental websites and several published scientific reports and papers were used to understand and discuss the topic. Although there are continuous efforts to mitigate nutritional deficiencies in the country, the optimum results are yet to receive. Food fortification mandate can be expected a potential tool in this context. So far, the trials conducted with fortified foods in India mostly were found having positive results to improve the nutritional status of the subjects included in the study. However, there is sufficient scope and necessity to broaden the trial design including the population of different age groups and socioeconomic status with special emphasis on female of childbearing age and geriatric population. Awareness of nutrition through continuous monitoring of the nutritional profiling of population and timely implement and revision of policies are utmost important to achieve the goal of nutritional security of the country.
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