The Mysuru-based CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CRTRI) has made available high-protein biscuits to the COVID-19 patients undergoing treatment in the All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS), New Delhi.

CFTRI supplied 500 kg of high-protein biscuits and 500 kg of high-protein rusks to the Dietetics department of AIIMS to supply to the patients. The biscuits were supplied on request from the officials of the Institute.

The biscuits contain 14% of protein while usual biscuits contain around 8-9% protein.  “The enriched biscuits will provide the protein needed for recuperating patients”, says Dr. KSMS Raghavarao, Director, CSIR-CFTRI.

“It is also pertinent to mention here that the recipe formulation of the protein-enriched products is being done by the dedicated scientists of CSIR-CFTRI Mysuru and manufactured as per FSSAI regulations.,” says Dr. Parmeet Kaur, Chief Dietician, AIIMS, about the biscuits. COVID patients undergoing treatment in the hospital along with others will be receiving the biscuits as part of their routine diet.

The following ingredients go into the making of the biscuits: whole wheat flour (Atta), wheat flour (Maida), sugar, hydrogenated fat, soya flour, whey protein, soy protein, milk solids, glucose, INS 500II, and INS 503II agents, salt and flavours. A 100-g packet of biscuits clearly packs a punch with its energy quotient of 400 kcal and its nutritional value: carbohydrate (63.2 g), protein (14 g), fat (17.1 g), and minerals (1.2 g).

The biscuits are being manufactured in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, by Seven Seas Private Limited based on the formulation developed by CSIR-CFTRI. The logistic support to supply to the needy is being provided by the Indian Society of Agricultural Professionals, New Delhi.