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Food fortification

2 February 2009 No Comment

It is the process of adding certain nutrients to commonly used food material to improve the quality of food and to prevent deficiency disorders. 

Examples food fortification:

  • Iodised salt – adding iodine to common salt to prevent endemic goitre
  • adding flouride to water to prevent dental caries
  • adding vitamin A and vitamin D to milk and vanaspathi

For a particular food material (vehicle) to be fortified by adding a particular nutrient, the following criteria is to be met:

  • The food item should be one that is commonly used by the target population
  • The amount of nutirent added should be in such a way that it would provide adequate amounts for people eating the food occassionally and should not rise to toxic amounts in persons who take the food item regularly
  • The cost of the fortified should not be so high as to be beyond the reach of those who need it most
  • The addition of nutrient should not cause any change in the taste, colour, odour or consistency of the food item

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