Micronutrient (Iron, Folic Acid, and Vitamin B12) Analysis and Homogeneity Testing in Fortified Rice Kernels and Fortified Rice

Micronutrient malnutrition remains a persistent public health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Fortification of rice with essential micronutrients such as iron, folic acid, and vitamin B 12 through extruded fortified rice kernels (FRK) offers a cost-effective and scalable intervention. Ensuring accurate micronutrient content and uniform distribution of FRK within fortified rice (FR) is essential for delivering the intended nutritional benefits. This chapter presents a comprehensive overview of both traditional and advanced techniques used for micronutrient analysis and homogeneity testing in FR. Conventional methods, including atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), although accurate, are labor-intensive and unsuitable for rapid industrial quality control. Emerging technologies such as hyperspectral imaging (HSI), coupled with chemometric modelling and machine learning (ML) algorithms, enable rapid, nondestructive, and high-throughput analysis. Additionally, smart image-processing approaches, both ML and non-ML, offer automated, precise, and real-time assessment of FRK distribution within FR, facilitating improved process control. The chapter also discusses sampling protocols, method validation, GUI development, and challenges in implementation. Together, these advancements represent a shift towards digital, non-invasive quality assurance systems that support the effectiveness, safety, and scalability of rice fortification programmes.