Fortified Foods Crucial to Combating Micronutrient Deficiencies, Say Experts

Swift Summary

• Event: A media roundtable was held in Chennai by the Tamil Nadu Food Safety and Drug Management Department on September 4, 2025.
• Focus: Experts highlighted ‘hidden hunger,’ defined as micronutrient deficiencies, and emphasized the need for dietary diversity, food fortification, and nutrition programs.
• Key Points:

– V.K. Pancham from FSSAI stressed shifting from food security policies to nutritional security. He outlined food fortification initiatives targeting rice, wheat flour, salt, and edible oil.
– Tamil Nadu Health Secretary P. Senthil Kumar noted high micronutrient deficiencies due to increased consumption of processed and ultra-processed foods.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The discussion at this media roundtable underscores a critical health issue facing India-micronutrient deficiencies caused by dietary habits shifting toward processed foods. While conventional food policies succeeded in addressing issues of availability through food security measures, transitioning towards nutritional security is critical for public health readiness in modern contexts.

food fortification programs led by FSSAI are a commendable step forward; though, their success depends on widespread implementation alongside public awareness campaigns about dietary diversity. As Tamil Nadu positions itself at the forefront of this issue through such initiatives involving multiple stakeholders, it offers valuable models for other states to emulate in combating hidden hunger and improving long-term population health outcomes.

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