Swadeshi Jagran Manch opposes food fortification

The FSSAI has approved the fortification of staples like rice and wheat. 

‘Some nutrients sourced from animals’

The RSS-affiliated Swadeshi Jagran Manch has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi opposing mandatory fortification of foods on the ground that some micronutrients are sourced from animals and are against the cultural beliefs and practices of vegetarians and may lead to “law and order issues.”

The group has also claimed that the import of technology and raw material for fortifying foods with micronutrients could have an adverse impact on the national economy.

The letter suggests that the food industry not have a role in decision-making because of their vested interests in fortification. It names Tata Trusts, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Clinton Health Initiative, Food Fortification Initiative and Nutrition International, International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI) as those companies or agencies that may have or are known to have vested interests in fortification.

It also says that universal fortification could prove to be harmful for some and should be given to only those people who have some kind of deficiency.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has notified Food Fortification Regulations 2018, which provide for minimum and maximum range of fortification of staples like wheat, maida, rice, salt, vegetable oil and milk.