Approach:

Introduction: Explain what is Fortification of food and its importance.

Body: Discuss the reasons for inaccessibility and measures that can be taken.

Conclusion: Conclude by linking food fortification to overall societal development and a positive way forward.

Answer:

Food Fortification is defined as deliberately increasing the content of essential micronutrients in a food so as to improve the nutritional quality of food and to provide public health benefits with minimal risk to health. Fortified food is a critical intervention to address malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies in India, where a large population is still affected by these issues.

The 2022 Access to Nutrition Initiative ( ATNI ) scoping exercise has found that 40-60% of fortified food production is not reaching the vulnerable sections of our population, such as tribals, women, rural areas, and children, often marginalized and may not have access to essential resources and services.

Reasons:

1. Lack of awareness: Vulnerable populations are unaware of the benefits of fortified foods or may not have access to information on where to obtain them.
2. Limited availability: Fortified foods are not available in all regions of India, particularly in rural and remote areas where distribution channels may be weak or non-existent.
3. Affordability: Fortified foods are more expensive than non-fortified foods, making them unaffordable for many people in vulnerable populations who are already struggling to make ends meet. For example - The price per Kg of Fortified rice is more than Rs. 100 - 150 whereas the price per Kg of Normal rice is close to Rs. 50 - 60.
4. Cultural and social norms: Certain cultural and social norms can impact the consumption of fortified foods. For example, some communities like tribal communities in southern Rajasthan amongst many may not accept fortified foods due to traditional beliefs about food and health.
5. Logistical challenges, Inadequate storage facilities and Limited Shelf life: The production and distribution of fortified foods are challenging due to issues such as storage, transportation, and shelf life. For example - The average shelf life of Normal rice is 3 months to 2 years and that for Fortified rice is close to 25 to 30 years.
6. Lack of education and training: There is a lack of education and training among producers, distributors, and consumers about the benefits of fortified foods, how to produce them, and how to consume them.
7. Quality control: There are issues with quality control in the production and distribution of fortified foods, which can impact their nutritional value and safety.
8. Lack of infrastructure: Inadequate infrastructure, such as roads and transportation facilities, and multimodal connectivity, makes it difficult to transport fortified foods to remote or hard-to-reach areas.

Measures that can be taken:

1. Raise awareness: Conduct education and awareness campaigns to promote the benefits of fortified foods among vulnerable populations, as well as producers, distributors, and retailers.

• The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has launched a national program to promote the fortification of staple foods such as wheat flour, rice, milk, and edible oils.

2. Improve accessibility: Expand the distribution network for fortified foods, especially in remote and hard-to-reach areas, and provide incentives for retailers to stock fortified foods.

• Anemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) campaign to address the high prevalence of anaemia in the country, particularly among women and children includes a focus on promoting the consumption of fortified foods.

3. Reduce cost: Subsidize the production and distribution of fortified foods to make them more affordable for vulnerable populations.

4. Ensure quality control: Establish quality control measures to ensure the safety and nutritional value of fortified foods, including regular testing and monitoring.

5. Increase production: Encourage more producers to manufacture fortified foods, and provide incentives for them to do so.

6. Train and educate producers and distributors: Provide training and education programs for producers and distributors on the production and distribution of fortified foods and marketing and promotion.

7. Collaborate with local communities and international partners: Partner with local organizations and community groups to distribute fortified foods in rural and remote areas, and engage with local leaders to promote the benefits of fortified foods.

• The government has partnered with UNICEF and other organizations to develop and implement programs to promote the consumption of fortified foods, particularly among vulnerable populations.

8. Incorporate fortified foods in government programs: Include fortified foods in government programs such as mid-day meals, Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), and the Public Distribution System (PDS) to reach vulnerable populations.

• The government has mandated the fortification of wheat flour and rice with iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 in the Public Distribution System (PDS) and Mid-Day Meal scheme respectively in several states, including Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra.

9. Develop new fortified food products: Encourage research and development of new fortified food products that meet the nutritional needs of vulnerable populations.

By taking adequate remedial steps and focusing on targeted implementation, India can ensure that fortified foods are widely available and accessible to all, particularly to vulnerable populations such as tribals, women, rural areas, and children. This can also lead to the achievement of SDG 2 - Zero Hunger and SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being. This can ultimately lead to better health and nutrition outcomes, and contribute to the overall well-being of the country.