IS 17782:2021 is the Bureau of Indian Standards specification for Fortified Rice Kernels - the enriched rice grains containing added micronutrients that are blended with regular rice at a defined ratio to produce fortified rice for human consumption. FRK typically constitutes about 1% of the total rice blend - one fortified kernel in every approximately 100 regular rice grains - but that small proportion delivers the full nutritional enrichment intended by the fortification programme.
IS 17782:2021 defines comprehensive requirements covering the nutritional composition, physical properties, processing quality, microbiological safety, and labelling of certified FRK products.
Key requirements under IS 17782:2021 include:
Micronutrient content - Iron, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), and Vitamin B12 must be present in defined minimum quantities per kilogram of FRK. These three nutrients address the most prevalent micronutrient deficiencies in India's population
Physical properties - FRK must closely resemble regular milled rice in size, shape, and colour so it blends seamlessly and is not distinguishable from regular rice in the cooked product
Moisture content - within defined limits to ensure product stability and shelf life
Hardness and durability - the fortified kernel must be hard enough to withstand washing, soaking, and cooking without disintegrating or releasing its nutrient coating prematurely
Cooking quality - after cooking, FRK must not be visually distinguishable from regular cooked rice
Wash test performance - nutrients must be retained adequately after the rice is washed before cooking, reflecting actual household cooking behaviour
Microbiological requirements - safety limits for total plate count, coliform, and pathogen absence
Labelling requirements - correct identification and nutritional information on certified FRK packaging
The standard closely integrates with IS 17781 - which specifies the Vitamin and Mineral Premix used in FRK production - since the quality of the premix directly determines whether the finished FRK meets IS 17782 nutrient requirements. Together, these two standards define the complete quality chain for fortified rice in India.
BIS certification under IS 17782:2021 is mandatory for FRK manufacturers supplying to government nutrition programmes. The Government of India's food fortification policy - implemented through FSSAI and various central and state government schemes - mandates that all FRK used in PDS, PM POSHAN, and other welfare food programmes must carry the BIS ISI Mark under IS 17782:2021. Manufacturers without this certification are ineligible to supply to these programmes - which represent the largest and most consistent demand source for certified FRK in India.
