Now, fortified food products to have logo identifying them

Fortification is the addition of key vitamins and minerals such as iron, iodine, zinc, and vitamins A and D to staple foods such as rice. Pic for representation

As per the National Family Health Survey, almost 50 per cent of women and children in India suffer from anaemia. To address such issues, for the first time, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), has made imprinting of the +F logo to identify fortified foods mandatory.

Fortification is the addition of key vitamins and minerals such as iron, iodine, zinc, and vitamins A and D to staple foods such as rice, wheat, oil, milk and salt to improve their nutritional content. These nutrients may or may not have been originally present in the food before processing or may have been lost during processing. FSSAI has instructed manufacturers to imprint the logo on these products to ensure that the most vulnerable sections of society receive appropriate nutrition.

Carry the logo
"As per Schedule II of Food Safety and Standards (Fortification of Foods) Regulations, 2017, it has been made mandatory for manufacturers and packers to carry the logo for fortified products. If the instruction isn't followed, then the product will be termed misbranded and they will have to face legal action," said a senior officer from FSSAI, Maharashtra. As per the circular issued by FSSAI, the product should also carry the statement - 'Sampoorna Poshan Swastha Jeevan' on the packet though it is not compulsory.

Medical issues
"In India, many people suffer from anaemia and malnutrition. These fortified products will help increase nutrition. The logo is being introduced to help buyers identify such products that are rich in nutrition," said the officer.

The manufacturer and packers need to apply to FSSAI online to procure the logo as per Food Safety and Standards (Fortification of Foods) Regulations, 2016. After submission of the information, a verification process is conducted by FSSAI. Once verified, the fortification logo will be provided to the applicant.

Vitamins and minerals used in fortification
>> Iron: Fights anaemia
>> Vitamin A: Prevents night blindness
>> Vitamin D: Supports strong bones
>> Folic acid: Important for foetal development
>> Vitamin B12: Good for nervous system
>> Iodine: Required for normal growth

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