The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), through its Quality Assurance Division, has released directives concerning the methods of testing fortificants, including iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12, in Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK). FSSAI’s issuance of approved testing methods for fortificants in Fortified Rice Kernel marks a significant step towards ensuring the quality and safety of fortified foods in India. By adhering to these standardized protocols, stakeholders, including food testing laboratories and regulatory bodies, contribute to safeguarding public health and promoting the accessibility of nutritionally enhanced food products. Moving forward, continued vigilance and adherence to these methodologies are imperative to sustainably address malnutrition and improve the overall health outcomes of the populace.
File No: 11014/07/2021-QA
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
(A Statutory Authority established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006)
(Quality Assurance Division)
FDA Bhawan, Kotla Road, New Delhi – 110002
Dated: 07th November 2023
Order
Subject: Methods or testing of Fortificants (Iron, Folic Acid and Vitamin B12) in Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK) – reg.
The Scientific Panel on Methods of Sampling and Analysis has approved the following methods –
i. Method for determination of Iron in Fortified Rice Kernel: FRK.16.004.2023 (Annexure-I)
ii. Method for determination of Folic Acid in Fortified Rice Kernel: FSSAI.FRK.16.005.2023 (Annexure-II)
iii. Method for determination of Vitamin B12 in Fortified Rice Kernel: FSSAI.FRK.16.006.2023 (Annexure-III)
2. The food testing laboratories are directed to use the aforesaid methods with immediate eff
3. This issues with the approval of competent authority.
Enclosure: As above
To:
1. All FSSAI Notified Laboratories
2. All State Food Testing Laboratories
3. ED (QA/QC), FCI
4. CEO, NABL
5. Director DFPD/Quality control cell, Ministry of Consumer affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Copy for information to:
1. SPS to CP, FSSAI
2. SPS to CEO, FSSAI
3. Advisor (QA), FSSAI
4. ED(CS), FSSAI
5. Head (Regulations/S&S), FSSAI
