Establishment of a fortified rice manufacturing plant requires careful planning, compliance with regulatory standards, and adherence to food safety guidelines. It also involves collaboration with nutritionists, public health officials, and other stakeholders to ensure that the fortified rice meets the specific nutritional needs of the target population.

Manufacturing process typically involves the following steps:

Raw rice procurement: The plant acquires high-quality rice from reliable suppliers. This rice serves as the base for the fortified product.

Fortification premix preparation: The essential micronutrients are sourced in the form of premixes from specialized manufacturers. These premixes contain a carefully measured amount of each nutrient to ensure the final product’s nutritional accuracy.

Mixing: The rice is blended with the premix in precise proportions using mixing equipment. This step ensures uniform distribution of the added nutrients throughout the rice grains.

Extrusion or Coating (optional): Some manufacturers opt for an extrusion process where the fortified rice grains are passed through an extruder, which imparts the nutrients onto the rice grains’ surface. This helps in better retention of nutrients during the cooking process. Alternatively, a coating method can be used to apply the nutrient premix to the rice surface.

Quality Control: Regular quality checks are performed to ensure that the fortification levels meet the required standards.

Packaging: The fortified rice is packaged into various sizes, ranging from individual servings to larger bulk packaging.

Fortified rice plays a crucial role in combating micronutrient deficiencies, especially in communities where rice is a staple food. It helps in improving the overall health and well-being of populations, particularly children and pregnant women who are more vulnerable to nutritional deficiencies.