The Times of India

Government suspends fortified rice rollout in welfare schemes citing shelf-life concerns

The government has temporarily halted rice fortification under free food schemes after a study revealed micronutrient loss during prolonged storage. IIT-Kharagpur's research highlighted that moisture, temperature, and packaging critically impact fortified rice stability, shortening its effective shelf life. This decision aims to ensure nutritional outcomes are met while exploring better delivery methods, assuring beneficiaries no reduction in foodgrain entitlements.