Functional foods are specially enriched food products designed to improve health and prevent diseases. They are developed through modern technologies such as nutrigenomics, bio-fortification, food bioprinting, and bioprocessing.
Examples: Vitamin-enriched rice, omega-3-fortified milk, bio-fortified crops, and probiotic yogurt are common examples of functional foods that enhance nutrition and promote overall well-being.
Smart proteins are innovative, biotechnology-based alternatives to conventional animal proteins. They offer sustainable, ethical, and nutrient-rich options for meeting protein needs without relying on livestock farming.
Types of Smart Proteins:
Over one-third of Indian children suffer from stunted growth, and national protein intake remains below recommended levels. As incomes rise, food consumption patterns must evolve from calorie sufficiency to nutrient adequacy.
Functional foods and smart proteins can bridge this nutritional gap by improving diet quality, combating malnutrition, and supporting sustainable and climate-resilient food systems.
The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) are promoting research and development in fortified crops, alternative proteins, and biomanufacturing.
Private sector innovation is also growing rapidly — companies like GoodDot and Blue Tribe Foods are pioneering plant-based meat products. By 2023, India had launched over 377 smart protein products across more than 70 brands.
Singapore became the world’s first country to approve the commercial sale of cultivated chicken in 2020. It also established a comprehensive regulatory framework for lab-grown food products. Other countries like China and the European Union are investing heavily in sustainable protein innovation.
India’s growth in this sector is slowed by low innovation speed, weak policy coordination, and limited consumer trust in lab-made foods. Inadequate labeling and unverified products further impact credibility.
To build public confidence, India needs transparent regulations, scientific validation, consumer education, and greater participation from farmers and local industries.
Functional foods and smart proteins can transform India’s nutritional landscape by boosting food security, creating biotech and agri-based jobs, and aligning with sustainable development goals (SDGs).
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) must introduce clear guidelines for labeling, safety evaluation, and certification to foster consumer trust and investor confidence in this emerging sector.
Kutos : AI Assistant!
