Food Fortification has a high benefit-to-cost ratio. The Copenhagen Consensus estimates that every 1 Rupee spent on fortification results in 9 Rupees in benefits to the economy. It requires an initial investment to purchase both the equipment and the vitamin and mineral premix, but the overall costs of fortification are extremely low. Even when all program costs are passed on to consumers, the price increase is approximately by 1-2%, which is less than the normal price variation. Following are the various benefits of fortification of foods:
1. Nutrients are added to staple foods since they are widely consumed. Thus, this is an excellent method to improve the health of a large section of the population, all at once.
2. It is a safe method of improving nutrition among people. The addition of micro-nutrients to food does not pose a health risk to people. The quantity added is small and well under the Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA) and are well regulated as per prescribed standards for safe consumption.
3. It is a cost-effective intervention and does not require any changes in eating patterns or food habits of people. It is a socio-culturally acceptable way to deliver nutrients to people.
4. It does not alter the characteristics of the food like the taste, aroma or the texture of the food.
Is Fortification mandatory for all FBOs in India?
Fortification of staples mentioned in the Food Safety and Standards (fortification of Foods) Regulation 2018 is not mandatory. However, if any FBO wishes to fortify these commodities and use the +F logo, then they shall fortify their products as per standards specified under the Food Safety and Standards (fortification of Foods) Regulation 2018. The standards of any food products under “Food Safety and Standards Regulations’ prescribe for addition or particular vitamins/ minerals as a mandatory requirement of that particular standard.
Procedure for Endorsement of Fortified Products
Step 1: FBO has to obtain Fssai License/Registration Certificate before applying for endorsement of Fortified Products.
Step 2: After obtaining License, Food Business Operators must select ‘Endorse Fortified Products’ in ‘Licensing/Registration’ menu option to view the list of Central/State License in online Food and Licensing Registration System (FLRS).
Step 3: After that, License no. appear for endorsement. Click on ‘proceed’ option for the concerned License no. After proceed a declaration dialog box appears where FBO needs to upload Product Analysis Report and confirm for complying conditions of license by Selecting “I AGREE” option and then Clicking on “Submit” Button.
Step 4: After completing the declaration, the product detail will appear for that the concerned License Number then ‘Product’ needs to be ticked and the corresponding Brand Name needs to be entered and click on ‘Submit’ button.
Step 5: After clicking on Submit Button a “Certificate” will be generated with the product details and +F logo. Download the Endorsement certificate and +F logo.
Refer below User Manual for Endorsement of Fortified Products for ready reference.
Significance of the +F logo
+F logo describes that the particular food is fortified with micro-nutrients as per the levels specified by the FSSAI in the Food Safety and Standards (Fortification Regulations) 2018. To obtain the +F logo, an FBO must endorse the fortified staples via the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) system of FSSAI. Post the endorsement the open file of the +F logo will be available for the FBO for incorporating on the label of the fortified products.
Download, Read & Share:
- Food Safety and Standard (Fortification) Regulation
- Compendium FSS Fortification Regulation (latest with all amendments)
- FAQ for FSS Fortification Regulation
- Updates and Orders for FSS Fortification Regulation specific to Food Product
- User Manual for Endorsement of FSSAI License for Fortified Products
To know more about Fortification Standards, Testing Method Manual, documentation required and procedure for endorsement of Fortified Products and Licensing Conditions,
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