Why fortification?

Fortification is one of the least costly and most efficient means of combating micronutrient deficiencies.

Addressing micronutrient deficiencies globally will require an estimated $1 billion per-year about $1 per affected person (all dollar amounts are U.S. dollars). That figure is equivalent to the economic costs of endemic deficiencies of vitamin A, iodine, and iron in a single country of 50 million people. Most of these costs will ultimately be borne by consumers when purchasing food with higher nutritional quality. (Enriching Lives: Overcoming Vitamin and Mineral Malnutrition in Developing Counties, World Bank, 1994)

WFP is committed in providing appropriately fortified food commodities in order to increase the intake of micronutrients, thereby improving micronutrient status and preventing damage caused by deficiencies.

Foods may be fortified with single nutrients (salt with iodine, vegetable oil with vitamin A) or with several vitamins and minerals (e.g. fortified cereal flour, super cereals).

See more at WFP's Food and Nutrition Handbook.