FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Large-scale food fortification is the process of adding safe levels of essential vitamins and minerals to commonly consumed foods to prevent disease and poor health.
Prevents brain damage in young children
Protects against anemia
Prevents birth defects like neural tube defect and spina bifida
Supports eyesight and boosts immune systems
Micronutrient deficiencies are estimated to cost a loss of between 2-5 percent of a country’s annual gross domestic product (GDP).
Every $1 invested in fortification generates $27 in economic return from prevented disease, improved earnings, and enhanced work productivity.
The success of large-scale food fortification efforts on cognitive development is tremendous:
Data for program design, decision-making, and evaluation.
Evidence-informed standards and guidelines.
Modern tools for food processing environments.
Fortification innovation.
It can scale rapidly
Fortification occurs in existing food processing facilities that are managed locally by the private sector, ensuring fortified staples become part of the local food production process, and can quickly reach many people.
It’s sustainable
After initial start-up costs, large-scale food fortification costs are low and require no change to consumer purchasing or eating patterns.
It’s cost-effective
One of the most cost-effective development investments, it costs just pennies per person per year. The benefit-cost ratios are impressive at 30:1 for iodine in salt, 46:1 for folic acid in wheat or maize flour, and 8:1 for iron in wheat or maize flour.