Union Food Ministry Temporarily Suspends Rice Fortification Scheme Over Shelf Life and Efficacy Concerns
The Union Food Ministry has decided to temporarily discontinue rice fortification under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) and other welfare schemes. This decision follows a study by IIT Kharagpur, which found that factors like moisture, temperature, and storage conditions significantly reduce the shelf life and nutrient stability of fortified rice. Activists have welcomed the move, arguing that fortification is an expensive, unscientific, and potentially toxic method to curb anaemia. The government seeks a more effective mechanism for nutrient delivery while maintaining existing foodgrain entitlements under the Public Distribution System (PDS).
Key Points
- The suspension affects rice distributed through PMGKAY and other centrally sponsored welfare schemes until a more effective delivery mechanism is identified.
- A study by IIT Kharagpur highlighted that fortified rice kernels are susceptible to micronutrient reduction during prolonged storage and routine handling.
- Social activists argue that not all anaemia is linked to iron deficiency, making mass fortification an ineffective and potentially unsafe solution.
- The government clarified that this decision will not affect the quantity of foodgrains provided or operations under the Public Distribution System.
- The report concluded that packaging materials and relative humidity are critical factors influencing the stability of fortified rice.
Exam Facts
- PMGKAY (Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana) is the primary scheme through which fortified rice was being distributed.
- The study identifying storage and shelf-life issues was conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur.
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