Port Blair, Aug 14: The Department of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs is issuing Fortified Rice as per the direction of the Govt. of India to the beneficiaries covered under Public Distribution System, Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and Pradhan Mantri Poshan Scheme (earlier known as mid-day meal scheme) as per their entitlement. The fortified rice is distributed with an aim to address the issues of anaemia in children and women. The fortified rice distributed through PDS and other welfare schemes is enriched with minerals and vitamins majority of which contains iron, folic acid and vitamin B12. The standard operating procedures are also being followed by the suppliers and distributors for rice fortification as devised by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

However, many a times the white granules of rice are mistaken as plastic/foreign materials by the consumers which are nothing but the fortified granules added to increase the nutrient value of rice and are not harmful. The Department is also organising camps in Panchayats for creating awareness regarding fortified rice from time to time.

In case of any doubt/query, the consumers can approach the respective Civil Supply Offices or can call on the toll free number 03192-230337.