Given the fact that Madhya Pradesh has the highest number of malnutrition cases in the country, food fortification can go a long way in not solving the perennial problems of malnutrition in the State but would also improve general health of the people who in their later ages are susceptible to various diseases due to acute deficiency of essential micronutrients in their daily foods.
Realising growing deficiencies of micronutrients in food items, an NGO GAIN in association with various Government and private bodies across the country has been raising awareness level to encourage both the individual and Government bodies for promoting use of fortified foods.
In this regard, the NGO GAIN in association with other organisations organised an interactive session of mediapersons and experts on the benefits of fortified food products.
The speakers speaking on the occasion said that consumption of fortified food products including wheat which is an essential dietary food items
assumes significance in Madhya Pradesh which as per the data of the National Family and Health survey presents a grim picture about malnutrition.
They said that food fortification is one of the widely acclaimed and accepted
solutions to this grave situation of malnutrition, hence Roller Flour Millers Federation of India together with Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition have initiated Fortification of widely consumed staples like Wheat Flour and Oil in the State of Madhya Pradesh.
IJKeeping in view the regular consumption of fortified foods, we can ensure at least one
third of the daily nutritional requirement. It is important that consumer is aware of the benefits of the fortified foods and is motivated to demand and consume fortified foods for which Media is to play a positive and active role,” the speakers added.