Adding the premix/ fortificant in the powdered vehicle
In powdered products the addition of the premix/ fortificant can be performed via batch mixing, two-stage mixing or continuous metering.
When continuous metering is not feasible or effective In the fortification of powdered products the two stage-mixing has proved to give better homogeneity at the final product, where the required nutrient mixture is mixed with an appropriate diluent to produce a preblend, which is then accurately metered into the flour.
For Super Cereal products, which undergo roasting, IR processing, extrusion cooking or drum-drying, it is recommended to add minerals and vitamins to the grinded products at the end of the process, prior to packing stages.
Attention is required for the homogeneous incorporation of dry fortificants to dry foods. Careful selection of the physical characteristics of the fortificant compound is important so as to ensure adequate mixing and to minimise segregation on storage. A Coeficient of Variation should be calculated to ensure that mineral and vitamins premix is homogeneously distributed in the finished product.