Realizing the Full Power of Large-Scale Food Fortification
A joint vision from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, UNICEF, and USAID.
Food fortification—adding safe levels of essential vitamins and minerals to commonly consumed foods such as salt, flour, and cooking oil at the time of processing—is one of the most scalable, sustainable, and cost-effective tools available to reduce micronutrient deficiencies and improve nutrition worldwide.
A recent systematic review and meta‐analysis of large‐scale food fortification programs confirmed the impact of fortification on nutritional and functional outcomes. It is estimated that every $1 invested in food fortification generates $27 in economic returns from disease prevention, improved earnings, and enhanced work productivity.
New energy and momentum are urgently needed to scale up this proven solution with a 100-year history of results. In recognition of this, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, UNICEF, and USAID have developed this joint vision document in an effort to identify areas of alignment in our strategies in order to accelerate progress and catalyze momentum on large-scale food fortification.
Please read our joint vision statement.
Related Resources
A Joint Vision to Realize the Full Power of Large-Scale Food Fortification