Food Fortification - GS questions based on daily current affairs

1)   Which of the following are benefits and advantages of Fortification of Food?

1) Doesn’t change existing food patterns
2) Alters the characteristics of the food
3) Safe and cost effective

a. 1, 3
b. 1, 2
c. 2, 3
d. All of the above
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: 1, 3

Explanation:
Benefits and advantages of Fortification Food -

  • Fortification requires neither changes in existing food patterns, habits nor individual compliance.
  • It is socio-culturally acceptable and does not alter the characteristics of the food.
  • It can be introduced quickly
  • It can produce nutritional benefits for populations in a short period of time.
  • It is safe and cost effective, especially if advantage is taken of the existing technology and delivery platforms.
Food fortification is a proven and effective strategy to meet the nutritional needs of a large number of people across various sections of the society, including the poor and underprivileged as well as the vulnerable, such as pregnant women and young children.
2)   What is Fortification of food?

a. Deliberately increasing the content of an essential micronutrient in food
b. Providing tablets containing vitamins and minerals along with food
c. Proper cooking and storage of food to avoid loss of nutrients
d. Ensuring minimum amount of nutrients in food
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Deliberately increasing the content of an essential micronutrient in food

Explanation:

  • Food fortification or enrichment is the process of adding micronutrients (essential trace elements and vitamins) to food.
  • It may be a purely commercial choice to provide extra nutrients in a food, while other times it is a public health policy which aims to reduce the number of people with dietary deficiencies within a population.
  • Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has formulated a comprehensive regulation on fortification of foods namely ‘Food Safety and Standards (Fortification of Foods) Regulations, 2016’.
  • These regulations set the standards for food fortification and encourage the production, manufacture, distribution, sale and consumption of fortified foods.
  • The regulations also provide for specific role of FSSAI in promotion for food fortification and to make fortification mandatory.

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