A method and apparatus for the production of hydrogen-rich gas are provided. The method and apparatus prevent over-reduction of iron oxide-based shift catalyst (1) by introducing an oxidative stream (21) along with a carbon monoxide containing gaseous feed stream (11) from a catalytic steam reformer (81) to the catalyst bed region and thereby limits structural deterioration of the catalyst. Various sources may provide the oxidative stream including a shift catalyst bed region and a selective oxidation catalyst region.