Raising Consumer Awareness of Fortified Food Products is Essential

09-Feb-2026 01:25 PM

New Delhi. Globally, discussions often revolve around strategies to combat malnutrition, and the crucial role of nutrient-rich food products is frequently highlighted. However, unless ordinary consumers are fully informed about the benefits of fortified foods,

the expected increase in demand and consumption will not materialize, nor will the crisis of malnutrition be completely eradicated.

Globally, more than 2 billion people are currently suffering from malnutrition, often referred to as "hidden hunger."

Although deficiencies in iron, zinc, vitamins, and folic acid are often not outwardly visible, they weaken the body from within and severely impact reproductive health.

The Indian government has initiated efforts to address the problem of malnutrition, and positive results are expected in the future.

India produces sufficient food grains to ensure national food security, but the real problem is not the quantity but the quality.

Indian consumers have access to grains, but not to nutritious food, so their bodies often remain truly hungry even after eating.

This is a significant challenge, and a large-scale public awareness campaign is needed to address it. The government is supplying fortified rice through the public distribution system, but consumers are not showing much interest in purchasing it.