Fortification in India

In India, fortification of salt with iodine (generally called iodization of salt) and fortification of Vanaspati (hydrogenated fats) with vitamin A is mandatory.

The National Anaemia Control Program (started in 1970) distributes iron tablets to children, pregnant and lactating women, and the National Vitamin A Prophylaxis Programme (started in 1971) provides

two mega doses of vitamin A to children 9–60 months annually. As per NFHS-3, the coverage under these programmes is very low. Anaemia continues to threaten the life and wellbeing of a large number of the population, and vitamin A deficiency remains a public health problem.

Hence, provisioning of small amounts of micronutrients through fortification of multiple foods that are consumed by various population groups and are either distributed through public funded programmes like public distribution system (PDS), Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), and Midday Meal (MDM) scheme, and/or sold through the open market commercial channels offers an opportunity to provide micronutrients on a sustained basis.