What ICMR guidelines say about enriching ultra-processed foods with nutrients

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the apex body in India for the formulation, coordination and promotion of biomedical research, highlights in its latest comprehensive Dietary Guidelines for Indians (DGIs) that this is not true. 

It clearly states, “If the foods are ultra-processed or high in fat/sugar/salt, then enriching them with nutrients or fortifying cannot make them wholesome or healthy.”

The medical body recommends the consumption of wholesome and minimally processed foods “to ensure consumption of safe, right balance of the required nutrients.”

Aaiisha Sanghavi, Nutrigenomics counsellor at HaystackAnalytics agrees with the ICMR’s stance that fortifying and enriching ultra-processed foods cannot inherently make them wholesome or healthy.

“While these processes may add certain essential nutrients, ultra-processed foods often contain high levels of unhealthy additives, sugars, and fats, while lacking in vital nutrients. Simply fortifying them does not address their overall poor nutritional quality or their potential negative impact on health,” she addresses. 

Prioritising whole, minimally processed foods is crucial for promoting a truly nutritious diet and reducing the risk of chronic diseases, she states.

It’s crucial to prioritise whole, minimally processed foods as the foundation of a healthy diet. (Source: Freepik)

Potential impact of fortification and enrichment on the overall health profile of ultra-processed foods

According to Sanghavi, fortification and enrichment of foods can help address specific nutrient deficiencies within the population. “For example, adding iron, vitamins, iodine, and other micronutrients to staple foods like salts, oils etc can help combat deficiencies.” 

But, she stresses that ultra-processed foods often contain high levels of unhealthy additives, sugars, and fats, which can outweigh the benefits of added nutrients. “It’s crucial to prioritise whole, minimally processed foods as the foundation of a healthy diet and implement comprehensive strategies to promote nutritional adequacy and reduce the consumption of ultra-processed foods.”

How can individuals make informed choices when navigating the marketplace?

From a consumer perspective, Sanghavi recommends making informed choices when navigating the marketplace involves several key strategies to ensure ingredient quality and overall nutritional value:

Read Labels: Take the time to read the nutrition labels on packaged foods. Look for information on serving size, calories, macronutrients (fat, carbohydrates, and protein), and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals).

Beware of Misleading Claims: Be cautious of marketing claims such as “low fat,” “low sugar,” or “natural,” which may not always reflect the nutritional quality of the product.

Check for FSSAI Logos: In India, look for the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India logo or licence number on packaged foods.

Review Ingredients in Descending Order: Ingredients on food labels are listed in descending order by weight, with the most abundant ingredient listed first.