New Delhi, October 17: The Government of India has assured the public that iron-fortified rice is safe for consumption, with robust scientific evidence supporting its safety. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution addressed concerns regarding the potential health risks for individuals with blood disorders, such as Thalassemia and Sickle Cell anaemia.
In a statement, the Ministry clarified that people with these hemoglobinopathies are not at risk of excessive iron absorption through fortified rice. This conclusion follows an in-depth review conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), which found no evidence linking iron-fortified rice with health risks for individuals suffering from these disorders.
The Ministry emphasized that India adheres to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidelines on food fortification. According to these recommendations, iron fortification is essential in countries like India, where rice is a dietary staple and iron-deficiency anaemia is prevalent.
Providing an update on the operational progress, the Ministry stated that out of the 30,000 rice mills in the country, more than 21,000 have installed blending equipment. These mills collectively possess the capacity to produce 223 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of fortified rice every month, ensuring a steady supply to meet public needs.
The statement also highlighted that rice fortification is a well-recognized global practice. Given the ICMR’s findings, the Ministry asserted that advisory labels warning individuals with Thalassemia or Sickle Cell anaemia are unnecessary.
This announcement aligns with the government’s ongoing efforts to combat malnutrition and anaemia through food fortification, ensuring access to essential micronutrients for all sections of society.