Food fortification issues for redressal to attain inclusive promotion of nutritional security: The case of Tamil Nadu State

Abstract

Food fortification is one of the important means to reach the unreached in terms of nutritional security. The common deficiency are caused by Vitamin A, Iron and Folic acid. The Government has been making policy interventions for food fortification through various stakeholders. The lack of awareness among the consumers, limited access due to various socio economic factors, apathy of the food processors and private businesses are the major reasons for the poor take-off of the government priorities. This paper attempts to review similar efforts across the globe indicates the importance of acceptance and preference for fortified foods among the rural, urban consumers and the other stakeholders involved in manufacture and distribution of the fortified foods including the government. Food fortification has been proven to be one of the best alternatives to reduce the malnutrition in the population. Given the conditions, it is essential to understand what are the technical/process changes to be newly implemented for the purpose of fortification by the existing millers /manufacturers/ processors in the state in the case of rice, oil, milk and salt. The additions and alterations in the processes require further investment in money, expertise and time further to addressing the other constraints. Their willingness to adopt the new process is a key.