WHAT ARE FORTIFIED RICE KERNELS

Fortified rice kernels are specially processed rice grains enhanced with essential vitamins and minerals to improve their nutritional value. Here’s a detailed overview: Composition and Process 1. Fortification Process: - Extrusion: This is the most common method for producing fortified rice kernels. Rice flour is mixed with a fortificant premix containing the desired vitamins and minerals. This mixture is then passed through an extruder, which shapes it into rice-like kernels. - Coating and Dusting: Another method involves coating or dusting regular rice grains with a fortificant mixture. However, this method is less durable as the nutrients can wash off during rinsing and cooking. 2. Nutrients Added: - Commonly added nutrients include iron, folic acid, vitamin A, vitamin B12, zinc, and other B vitamins. The selection of nutrients depends on the nutritional needs of the target population.