THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Food Safety and Standards Authority has found that fortified rice, which is prepared to provide nutritious rice through ration shops, is not edible due to its high iron content. The 300 tonnes of fortified rice, which was prepared with micronutrients like iron, folic acid and vitamins, is now being dumped in mills.

The National Health Survey had found that pregnant women and lactating mothers were suffering from deficiency in iron, folic acid and vitamin B12. Subsequently, the Centre prepared a scheme to distribute nutritious rice which has a mix of these micronutrients. The cost of fortification will be borne by the Center at a rate of 73 paise per kg. The cost of fortification will be borne by the Centre at the rate of 73 paise per kg. In the first phase, it was decided to provide fortified rice to Antyodaya Annayojana and priority sections.

The state government had commissioned a Public Sector Undertaking to implement the project titled 'Proper Nutrition, Adequate Health through Rice Diet' in Aluva Taluk, Ernakulam District. The discovery regarding the high iron content of the fortified rice comes a week ahead of the inauguration of the project.

Deficiency of iron, folic acid and vitamin B12 can cause anaemia. The decision to add these to rice was made because of Keralites' habit of consuming rice regularly. Dr Abraham Varghese, IMA state president, said that high iron content in the diet can be bad for the liver and kidneys.