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The Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA) and TechnoServe, an international non-governmental organisation dedicated to economic development, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance edible oil fortification in India.
This collaboration aims to ensure quality-assured fortified edible oil reaches Indian consumers in line with national priorities set by the government and the voluntary edible oil fortification standards of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
A media statement said the partnership will focus on enhancing the expertise of edible oil producers through bilateral training, workshops and sector-wide seminars. It will promote good manufacturing practices, good hygiene practices and appropriate fortification methods while strengthening internal quality assurance and external quality control measures for fortified edible oil. The collaboration will also encourage industry-wide voluntary fortification and food safety compliance through engagement with policymakers and industry stakeholders, it said.
Contributing to public health
Quoting Sanjeev Asthana, SEA President, the statement said: “Our association with TechnoServe reinforces SEA’s commitment to ensuring fortified and high-quality edible oil production in India. Through industry-wide collaboration, we can significantly contribute to public health and food safety. SEA will be ensuring active participation of nominated processors in training and technical programmes, providing administrative support, communication and follow-up co-ordination with industry players, and encouraging member companies to commit to voluntary fortification and compliance with food safety regulations.”
BV Mehta, Executive Director of SEA, said this MoU marks a significant milestone for the edible oil industry in India. “By fostering a collaborative environment, we are ensuring that fortification becomes an industry standard, ultimately benefiting millions of consumers by improving nutritional security,” he said.
Monojit Indra, Senior Practice Lead of TechnoServe and Programme Lead of Millers for Nutrition (Asia), said TechnoServe will support SEA by providing technical training and capacity-building initiatives for their members.
“Through this collaboration we will conduct studies and assessments to support best practices in fortification, advise on appropriate procurement and supply of high-quality micronutrient premix and equipment, engage with industry stakeholders for cost optimisation and innovation, and promote proper handling and storage of micronutrient premixes to ensure compliance with fortification standards,” Indra said.
Rizwan Yusufali, Global Programme Director, Millers for Nutrition, said: “We’re thrilled to partner with the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India to provide edible oil producers, best-in-class support in edible oil fortification. And we look forward to recognising and celebrating those edible oil producers for contributing to a healthier India.”
Published on April 8, 2025
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