Folic acid stability in the presence of various formulation components including iron compounds in fortified extruded Ultra Rice® over prolonged storage at 40 °C and 60% relative humidity (RH)

Ultra Rice^®, a reconstituted rice product made by extrusion, has been successfully formulated for the fortification of market rice with vitamin A, iron and vitamin B₁. As folic acid deficiency is a major health problem in areas targeted by Ultra Rice^® technology, including India, Colombia and Brazil, it seems logical to incorporate folic acid into the existing formulation. The effects of various iron compounds on the storage stability of folic acid were studied. Four commercial ferric pyrophosphate compounds were chosen as iron sources and were added at different concentrations. A food‐grade whitener (TiO₂) was also tested for its effects on folic acid stability and product colour. Folic acid was generally stable in the prepared rice formulations under high temperature and humidity (40 °C, 60%RH) – with the best sample retaining 95% and >75% of folic acid after 3 and 9 months of storage, respectively. The work demonstrated that folic acid fortification of rice through Ultra Rice^® technology is technically feasible.