Fortification FAQs

How safe is fortified food for consumers Experiences in countries that are already fortifying show that fortified foods are completely safe for consumers and that the benefits are enormous. The amount of vitamins and minerals added to a specific food is usually set at a proportion of the individual’s daily requirement and is usually less than one-third of the total recommended dietary allowance (RDA). Fortification is always strictly monitored and by implementing stringent quality-control measures, companies can ensure that there is no excessive intake of a specific vitamin or mineral. How does fortification affect the shelf life of a product Fortification has no impact on the shelf life of a product. The vitamins and minerals have a shelf life of their own although they do become less active over time. Does fortification change the appearance, taste, texture and flavour of the food No. When deciding on the appropriate premix for food fortification, only those vitamins and minerals are considered, which will not change the appearance, taste, texture and flavour of the food. In some cases encapsulated micronutrients may be used to prevent the interaction of micronutrients with either the atmosphere or with other micronutrients. The concept is based on the fact that the consumer’s buying behaviour should not be affected by the fortification process. What is the cost of food fortification Cost of food fortification is miniscule, ranging from Rs 30 to Rs 100 per metric ton, or just about 3 to 10 paisa per kg of food, depending on the type and number of micronutrients added and the staple food that is being fortified. What do companies stand to gain from adopting fortification