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The initiative aims to provide fortified rice containing essential micronutrients like iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 through ration shops, mid-day meals, and Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) schemes
In October 2024, PM Narendra Modi chaired a cabinet meeting approving the continuation of free fortified rice distribution under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) from July 2024 to December 2028. India’s rice fortification (which comprises essential micronutrients like iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12) aims to combat malnutrition by providing fortified rice to 80 crore beneficiaries. However, the initiative faces quality-related challenges. A regional analysis has revealed significant disparities in the distribution of testing laboratories, with some states having limited or no access to these facilities. Moreover, there’s a crucial lack of standardised testing protocols, capacity building, and continuous training for laboratory personnel. At the same time, the root causes of malnutrition should be addressed, including poverty, inadequate maternal nutrition, and poor access to healthcare. Experts recommend a holistic, region-specific approach to tackle malnutrition effectively, rather than relying solely on fortification. Let’s dig deeper.
In October 2024, PM Narendra Modi chaired a cabinet meeting approving the continuation of free fortified rice distribution under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) from July 2024 to December 2028. The initiative aims to provide fortified rice containing essential micronutrients like iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 through ration shops, mid-day meals, and Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) schemes.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), in February last year, released an updated list of notified laboratories across the country for testing fortificants in Fortified Rice, Fortified Rice Kernels, and vitamin-mineral premixes. However, a regional analysis of the distribution of these laboratories reveals significant disparities. The Southern region has the highest concentration of testing facilities, with states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala accounting for nearly 35 per cent of the total. Northern India, including Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh, follows closely with about 30 per cent of the labs. Western India, particularly Maharashtra and Gujarat, has around 20 per cent of the total testing infrastructure. In contrast, Eastern and Northeastern states, such as West Bengal, Assam, and Jharkhand, have far fewer laboratories, collectively making up less than 15 per cent.
The recent data shared by the Women and Child Development (WCD) Ministry revealed alarming stunting rates across several states. Stunting—caused by prolonged undernutrition—affects a significant percentage of children under five, leading to long-term health and developmental consequences. According to the WCD report, Uttar Pradesh has recorded the highest stunting rate at 46.36 per cent, indicating that nearly half of the state’s children suffer from chronic malnutrition. This is followed closely by Lakshadweep, which reports a stunting rate of 46.31 per cent. Other states with concerning levels of stunting include Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, and Gujarat.
When we compared this lab distribution with the prevalence of malnutrition in different states, the results were surprising. Shockingly, Bihar and Lakshadweep, both with high stunting rates, have no FSSAI-recognised fortified rice testing laboratories. Uttar Pradesh, which has the highest stunting rate, has only two testing labs (both in Noida), which may not be sufficient for its large population. Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat have only one or two labs each, despite reporting stunting rates above 39 per cent.
This uneven distribution raises concerns about the accessibility of quality control services in regions where fortified rice is heavily distributed through government programmes. The lack of adequate testing facilities in some states may lead to delays in monitoring and enforcement, potentially affecting the quality of fortified rice reaching the most vulnerable populations.
Stressing the need for expanding laboratory infrastructure testing fortified rice across the country, Sukhada Bhatte, Nutrition Science Specialist, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories opined, “Fortified rice is intended for mass consumption and hence, ensuring that the safety limits of fortified nutrients are a critical food safety checkpoint. This will help mitigate the potential risks of over-delivery of nutrients and involve timely and careful assessment of samples during production, distribution and storage. It is therefore important to build the laboratory infrastructure and techniques for precise testing, regulatory compliance, and quality assurance to safeguard public health and build consumer trust in fortified foods. A robust monitoring system will also support India’s nutrition security goals, ensuring fortified rice reaches vulnerable populations safely and effectively.”
Challenges faced by existing Labs
While strengthening infrastructure for fortified rice testing is crucial, the reliability of quality checks performed by these laboratories is equally important. The effectiveness of fortified rice in addressing malnutrition depends on accurate testing of nutrient levels, but several challenges can compromise the credibility of these tests.
Differences in test results for the same fortified rice sample between different laboratories are a pressing concern that has been talked about recently in fortified rice testing. These issues have been observed in real-world scenarios. For instance, in Punjab, in January 2024, rice millers protested after fortified rice samples were rejected due to exceeding prescribed nutritional values. The Food Corporation of India (FCI) acknowledged “variations in results of micronutrients from lab to lab” and ordered retesting of the stocks. Similarly, the Punjab Rice Industry Association highlighted inconsistencies in laboratory results, leading to ambiguity and disputes over the quality of fortified rice.
Variations in testing protocols, equipment calibration, and methodologies can lead to different results for the same sample when tested in multiple laboratories. Without standardised procedures across all testing labs, inconsistencies can misrepresent the actual nutritional content of fortified rice. In the absence of standardised testing protocols for testing fortified rice, it is equally challenging for testing laboratories to be 100 per cent reliable in terms of test results.
While emphasising sample homogenisation being one of the aspects that affect precise results, Dr Priti Amritkar, Director, Envirocare Labs, Thane explained, “As a laboratory working with fortified rice and fortified rice kernels, one of the biggest challenges we face is ensuring sample homogeneity. The kernels are exceptionally hard, making grinding a crucial yet difficult step. Proper grinding is essential to produce a uniform sample for accurate micronutrient testing, but variations in particle size can impact test results. Without a standardised approach to homogenisation, inconsistencies arise, affecting the reliability of nutrient analysis. Special attention must be given to developing efficient grinding techniques and standardised protocols to ensure precise and reproducible results in fortified rice testing.”
Echoing similar concerns, Saurabh Arora, Director, Auriga Research Private Limited, New Delhi said, “Proper sampling is crucial, especially for fortified rice, where sample homogeneity can be a significant concern. It is essential to take appropriate measures to ensure that a sufficiently large sample size is collected and that representative sampling is conducted throughout the consignment. Often, variations in results are attributed more to sample inhomogeneity rather than analytical variations.”
Adding to the complexity is the second challenge- the choice of testing methods. While pointing out this issue, Arora continued, “From a testing perspective, the challenges lie in the methods provided by FSSAI. While they have developed detailed procedures, these methods require the use of Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP), and ICP-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) to analyze premix, kernel, and fortified rice. It would be beneficial if laboratories were given the flexibility to use any one of these techniques, provided the method is validated. Modern instruments offer a very good dynamic range, which supports this flexibility.”
Another roadblock is the need for building technical expertise of laboratory staff testing fortified rice samples. Measuring water-soluble vitamins like Vitamin B9 and B12 in fortified rice is highly challenging and requires advanced, high-precision equipment. These vitamins are extremely sensitive to light, heat, and humidity, demanding sophisticated analytical techniques such as High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) for accurate detection. While many laboratories are equipped with advanced instruments, the effectiveness of these facilities often hinges on the proficiency of their personnel.
Highlighting the necessity of continuous training to ensure that laboratory staff can effectively utilise existing equipment and methodologies, Dr Komal Chauhan, Dean of Research & Outreach, Head of Centre for Food Research and Analysis (CFRA), Head – Centre of Excellence for Food Fortification (CEFF), National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management, Kundli (NIFTEM-K) said “Sophisticated equipment is indeed essential for testing fortified rice, and fortunately, many labs are already equipped with the necessary tools. However, the true challenge lies in enhancing the expertise of lab personnel in analytical techniques. Investing in capacity building and continuous training is crucial to ensure accurate and reliable testing. It’s not just about having advanced machinery but about empowering the people who operate them. Strengthening the analytical skills of lab staff will enhance the quality of fortified rice testing, ultimately contributing to better food safety and nutrition. Capacity building is, therefore, the need of the hour.” The CFRA, NIFTEM, has been authorised by FSSAI to test fortified rice, fortified rice kernels and premixes.
Lastly, the smaller number of NABL-accredited laboratories testing fortified rice samples could be a significant challenge for the existing facilities. The FSSAI mandates that only NABL-accredited laboratories can test fortified rice for micronutrient levels. This requirement ensures that testing is conducted under standardised, scientifically validated protocols, maintaining the credibility and accuracy of results. NABL accreditation ensures that labs follow ISO/IEC 17025 standards, reducing the risk of inaccurate results. However, given the limited number of NABL-accredited laboratories in India, this requirement poses challenges in testing efficiency and capacity. Currently, there are only 13 NABL-accredited laboratories in the country for testing fortificants in Vitamin-Mineral premix which is utilised to prepare fortified rice kernels. Owing to this scenario, the existing facilities might face increased pressure to meet the growing demand for quality assurance. This would not only strain their resources but could also impact the efficiency and timeliness of testing, ultimately affecting the supply chain and credibility of fortified rice initiatives.
Critical factors that compromise intent of fortified rice
Once the sample reaches the laboratory, there are three crucial factors that laboratories are required to ensure – first if the fortified rice is uniformly blended, if the premix is of high quality, and third if the nutrient levels meet Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) guidelines for safe and effective nutrition. Some manufacturers may cut corners, either by not ensuring uniform blending, using substandard premix, or failing to meet RDA guidelines due to inadequate equipment or cost-saving measures.
Ensuring uniform blending of fortified rice kernels with regular rice is crucial for consistent micronutrient content. Variations in blending practices, especially among smaller manufacturers using less advanced equipment, can lead to inconsistent nutrient distribution. While the availability of blending equipment is a factor, the effectiveness of rice fortification largely depends on the quality of equipment used and the implementation of standardised blending practices. High-capacity, fully automated machines are priced at around Rs 6.5-9 lakh per unit, whereas smaller-scale equipment suitable for low-volume production is available at approximately Rs 2.5 lakh per set. Small manufacturers, in particular, may face challenges due to limited resources, leading to using less advanced equipment and inconsistent blending techniques while trying to take larger volumes.
“Proper blending of fortified rice kernels with natural rice at a 1:100 ratio is crucial for ensuring uniform nutrient distribution and effective fortification. Use of cheaper blending equipment fails to achieve this precision. Inconsistent mixing leads to uneven nutrient levels, where some servings may lack essential vitamins and minerals, while others may contain excessive amounts, posing health risks. Investing in high-quality blending technology is essential to maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of fortified rice,” suggested Swetha Sridhar, Senior independent food technology consultant, Dubai.
The quality of vitamin-mineral premix that has been used in manufacturing fortified rice plays an extremely important role. Premix is a factory-made nutrient powder of vitamins and minerals consisting of iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid. This premix is blended with powdered rice and broken grains, and moulded into new rice kernels using specialised machines, which are subsequently mixed with regular rice grains distributed as food rations. Poor-quality pre-mix in fortified rice can compromise fortification effectiveness and mislead consumers. Use of substandard pre-mix or diluting high-quality pre-mix with inferior materials to increase volume needs to be avoided to ensure the intended nutritional benefits. Fortified rice manufacturers are supposed to source pre-mix from certified suppliers, follow strict quality standards, and conduct regular testing.
And lastly, compliance with micro-nutrients as per the required RDA decided in scheme norms. “Maintaining the RDA limit in fortified rice is crucial to provide essential nutrients without exceeding safe levels. It strikes the right balance between combating deficiencies and ensuring overall health and well-being. This careful calibration supports sustainable health improvements, especially in vulnerable populations, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more nutritionally secure society,” said Dr Sanu Jacob, Director, National Food Laboratory, Chennai.
Flip side of fortified rice policy
Although expanding laboratory infrastructure for fortified rice testing is essential to ensure product quality and compliance with nutritional standards, implementing fortified rice policies in regions where malnutrition isn’t primarily due to micronutrient deficiencies requires careful consideration too.
The WCD report data highlights that states with large rural populations and economic disparities tend to have higher malnutrition rates. Northern and Central Indian states, particularly Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar, continue to struggle with stunting due to poverty, inadequate maternal nutrition, and poor access to healthcare. On the other hand, in terms of economically advanced states like Maharashtra and Gujarat, which report high stunting rates, it has to be emphasised that food security alone does not resolve malnutrition, questioning the blanket approach of fortified rice policy. Factors such as dietary diversity, sanitation, and maternal health play a crucial role in determining children’s nutritional status.
To tackle malnutrition effectively, while underscoring the necessity of exploring alternative solutions beyond fortification, Amit Srivastava, Founder and Chief Catalyst Officer of Nutrify Today said, “India’s fortified rice policy, designed to combat malnutrition, has been criticised for its one-size-fits-all approach. This approach, which overlooks regional dietary diversity and local nutritional needs, risks sidelining traditional, nutrient-rich foods like millet and pulses. The policy also faces challenges such as absorption issues, overconsumption risks, and implementation hurdles. To ensure sustainability, policymakers should focus on promoting dietary diversity, strengthening nutrition education, supporting biofortification, and improving access to fresh foods. However, a crucial aspect for effectively tackling malnutrition is a holistic, region-specific approach that goes beyond just fortification. Initiatives like the Rural Economic Forum and Project One are strong initiatives to create organic land and nutritious foods.”
Adding to this, Dr Vanita Rahman, internal medicine physician, certified nutritionist, and fitness expert, Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) stated, “Iron is an essential nutrient for children and adults. Fortunately, a variety of plant-based foods, such as lentils, rajma (kidney beans), chana (chickpeas), black-eyed peas, soya, and millet are not only excellent sources of iron, but they are also loaded with fibre, naturally low in fat, and cholesterol free. Instead of consuming processed grains, such as white rice fortified with iron, I encourage my patients to consume wholesome plant foods that are naturally high in iron and other essential nutrients.”
To sum up, expanding the number of fortified rice testing laboratories is just one step. Ensuring the reliability, accuracy, and integrity of these quality checks, and educating producers about the standardised manufacturing practices for producing fortified products are two equally important steps. It would be better if the centre revisits the idea of mandatory fortification as the only solution to combat malnutrition countrywide.
Mansi Jamsudkar