Himachal Pradesh: DFC dismisses concerns over fortified rice and salt quality

District Food Controller (DFC) Arvind Sharma has assured the public that concerns about plastic-like rice grains distributed through the public distribution system (PDS) are baseless. He clarified that the grains are fortified rice premix, enriched with iron, folic acid and Vitamin B12 to improve nutrition.

Explaining the fortification process, Sharma stated that 1 kg of fortified rice premix is blended with 99 kg of regular rice at a cost of 73 paise per kg. He dismissed allegations of adulteration, emphasizing that the fortified rice is completely safe for consumption.

Addressing concerns about black particles in double-fortified salt, the DFC clarified that these are iron particles intended to combat anemia, especially among rural women. He noted that complaints regarding rice and fortified salt quality are frequently received via social media and telephone.

To tackle malnutrition, the central and state governments provide fortified rations to ration card holders under the PDS. Sharma highlighted that essential food items such as rice, flour, edible oil, and salt are fortified through the Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department. Mustard and refined edible oils are enriched with Vitamins A and D, while flour and rice contain iron, folic acid, and Vitamin B12. Fortified salt includes both iodine and iron to enhance nutritional value.

Sharma assured that all essential commodities distributed under PDS undergo regular sampling and testing at the departmental laboratory in Shimla.

This article has been republished from The Tribune.