FSSAI to Make Mandatory Fortification of Edible Oil and Milk

The Food Safety Standards Authority India (FSSAI) revealed plans to make fortification mandatory for edible oil and milk in the next few months.  FSSAI Director (Food Fortification Resource Centre/FFRC) Inoshi Sharma said, the mandatory regulations will apply to all food and beverage companies dealing in edible oil and milk within India’s organized food sector.  

The new FSSAI regulations will allow for higher levels of fortification to be achieved by permitting fortificants to be added up till amounts that will translate to provide between 30% to 50% of the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA).  All products that are fortified as per the standards laid out by FSSAI will be able to get license and what is called the ‘+F’ endorsement.

The major nutrient deficiencies being targeted via fortified edible oil and milk are Vitamins A and D, whereas fortified wheat flour and rice looks to tackle iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 deficiencies, and fortified salt targets iodine.  A new type of double-fortified salt looks to get both iron and iodine simultaneously.