Centre starts awareness drive to dispel myths about rice fortification

The food secretary said that the state medical department and ground functionaries are generally aware of pockets where and what kind of diseases are prevalent

The government has undertaken a comprehensive awareness programme, including feeding and cooking demonstrations, across several states to dispel the myths around fortified rice, food secretary Sudhanshu Pandey said on Monday. These states include Gujarat, Manipur, Nagaland, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

Talking to reporters, Pandey said all states have been directed to set up steering committees headed by chief secretaries to review the whole distribution process of fortified rice. They are required to make necessary changes suited to their local conditions.

On the alleged health risks associated with consumption of fortified rice, Pandey said the benefits of rice fortification far outweigh the