FSSAI has issued directions dated 31st May 2017 regarding restriction on use of “Heme Iron” as a source of “Iron (Fe).” The FSSAI direction states that various Food Safety and Standards Regulations made under the FSS Act 2006 permit the use of iron (Fe) in foods. There are various standards for the use of iron as an ingredient in foods with or without having to mention the source of the iron.
Through these directions FSSAI has clarified that ‘Heme Iron” will NOT be permitted as a source of Iron (Fe) in any form in any article of food. FSSAI has also instructed all, Food Safety Commissioners in the States and UTs to keep a strict vigil to ensure and to enforce that Heme Iron is not being used in any article of food as a source of Iron.
About Heme Iron
Iron availability is different in animal and plant based foods. In animal foods the iron is attached to animal proteins which are called heme proteins and are therefore called Heme iron and in plant based foods this is not the case. Heme iron is found in the blood and muscles of animals and is better absorbed by the body. However, there are studies that show that Heme iron increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer and metabolic syndrome.
Non-Heme iron is plant based and is derived from foods like beans, spinach, nuts and dried fruit, certain seeds, etc. Non-Heme iron or vegetable and plant based iron does not increase the risk of heart disease no matter the level of the iron absorbed. This is because the body can regulate iron absorption and takes only the required amount of iron. However, according to a study conducted in Indiana State University, USA Heme- iron bypasses the body’s iron regulatory system and can therefore, cause damage to the arteries because of more iron absorption. This is because Heme-Iron has more bioavailability than non-Heme iron.
While iron-deficiency in India is a well-established fact and is a big public concern however, the risk of diseases associated with the consumption of Heme-Iron cannot be over looked in any way. Moreover, Heme-iron is sourced from animal meats, fish and poultry and so it cannot be permitted for use in articles of food as there are many people who are vegetarian. Since it is not mandatory to mention the source of the Iron (Fe) on all food labels, consumers will not be able to know whether it is animal based or plant based.
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