Packaging, Storage and Shelf-Life Evaluation of Fortified Rice Kernels and Fortified Rice

Although manufacturing and supply chain management of fortified rice kernels (FRK) and fortified rice (FR) are major concerns in combating micronutrient malnutrition in India, to date, appropriate packaging and storage conditions of FRK and FR are primarily overlooked. Therefore, this chapter illustrates the interplay between various packaging materials and storage conditions to maintain nutrient stability and overall quality of FRK and FR during long-term storage. Various intrinsic and extrinsic factors like moisture content, light exposure, oxygen and water vapour permeability of packaging materials and temperature and relative humidity of storage conditions can severely affect the nutrient retention during storage of both FRK and FR. Hence, it is recommended to store FRK and FR at a temperature below 25°C and relative humidity below 60%. This chapter also discusses the effect of various polymer materials on controlling moisture vapour and oxygen transfer rate and photodegradation of vitamin B 12 and folic acid. Shelf-life estimation procedure of FR and FRK is also explained in this chapter.