FSSAI re-operationalises stds for fortified rice kernels

The Indian food authority has re-operationalised the standards for fortified rice kernels and issued an order in this regard asking food businesses to comply with the standards.

The standards for fortified rice kernels were proposed under the Draft FSS (Food Product Standards & Food Additives) Amendment Regulations issued by the FSSAI in May 2022 and were made operational in June 2022.

According to the FSSAI, the draft amendment regulations are in the process of final notification which is likely to take further more time for finalisation and publication in the gazette of india. 

 ‘Meanwhile, to strengthen the national level fortification programme and its implementation, it has been decided to operationalise the provisions related to the fortified rice kernel, vitamin & mineral premix for fortified rice kernels with effect from 23.12.22,’ reads the order.

However, FSSAI added that the provisions related to yeast and mould count and aerobic plate count parameter of ‘Rice Flour’ for preparation of fortified rice kernel stand withdrawn.

The draft regulations say that Fortified Rice Kernels (FRKs) are rice shaped kernels containing vitamins and minerals produced through extrusion.

These fortified kernels required to follow physio-chemical requirements including moisture 12%, uric acid at 100 mg/kg with no damaged kernels, no discoloured grains, no chalky grains and no admixture with any other grain including non-fortified rice.

Also, the standards lay requirements for fortification with iron, folic acid and vitamin B12 with recommended sources. The draft lays requirement for fortification with micronutrients singly or in combination that include zinc, vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and pyridoxine.

Besides, the regulations prescribe standards for rice flour preparation of fortified rice kernels, and vitamin-mineral premix for preparation of fortified rice kernels.

This article has been republished from FNB News

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