The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a new directive regarding testing of fortified rice products. This order was dated June 11, 2024.
The Authority has urged all FSSAI-approved food testing laboratories to use specific FSSAI-approved methods when testing iron, vitamin B9 (Folic Acid), and vitamin B12 in fortified rice (FR), fortified rice kernels (FRK), and vitamin-mineral premix for FRK.
These methods were published in FSSAI orders dated September 8, 2022, November 7, 2023, and November 9, 2023.
A table summarizing the methods for each product is provided below:
| Product | Iron | Vitamin B9 | Vitamin B12 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fortified Rice | FSSAI.FR.16.001.2022 | FSSAI.FR.16.002.2022 | FSSAI.FR.16.003.2022 |
| Fortified Rice Kernel | FSSAI.FRK.16.004.2023 or FSSAI.FRK.16.007.2023 | FSSAI.FRK.16.005.2023 | FSSAI.FRK.16.006.2023 |
| Vitamin-Mineral Premix for FRK | FSSAI.VMPFRK.16.008.2023 | FSSAI.VMPFRK.16.009.2023 | FSSAI.VMPFRK.16.010.2023 |
Laboratories with existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) based on FSSAI methods have four months, ie.. till October 11, 2024, to officially include these FSSAI methods in their accredited scope.
Effect of Non-Compliance
Non-compliance with this directive will result in delisting from the list of approved laboratories for testing these fortified rice products.
This move aims to ensure consistency and accuracy in testing of fortified rice products across India. Standardized testing methods will strengthen quality control and consumer protection.
