The views expressed in this presentation are the views of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the

views or policies of the Asian

Development Bank (ADB), or its Board of Directors or the governments they represent. ADB does not guarantee the source, originality,
accuracy, completeness or reliability of any statement, information, data, finding, interpretation, advice, opinion, or view presented, nor
does it make any representation concerning the same.

Food fortification:
Public-private sector partnership to address a
public health problem

France Begin

ADB-UNICEF Regional workshop on the Role of Non-

State Providers in Delivering Basic Social Services
for Children
Manila, April 19-20, 2010
 Food fortification: A shorter road to
better nutrition
• Require collaboration between the public and
private sector
• Fortification Regulation

“Market driven fortification” vs “Mass
fortification”

“Voluntary” vs “Mandatory”

little evidence that mass fortification can
be implemented successfully on a
voluntary basis by food producers

Creation of an even playing field through
mandatory fortification
UNICEF 2010
Private sector: What is in there for me?
Key components of a business case
• Create new market and product development

• Stimulate innovation

• Build positive brand name by improving health & nutrition

• Enact cooperate values

• Motivate employees

• Strengthen community & government relations

• Develop a healthy and productive labour force

• Contribute to country development

Food fortification in the Asia region
Country
Most Mandatory Mandatory Other foods
successful
FF prog
Salt iodization wheat flour being fortified
fortification (M/V)
China Yes No Soy sauce
Indonesia Yes Yes Oil, rice, sugar
Philippines Yes Yes Oil, rice, sugar
Vietnam No* No* Fish source
Bangladesh Yes No --
India No No --
Nepal Yes No --
Sri Lanka Yes No --
* Will be shortly
Stakeholders in An Efficacious and Sustainable
Food Fortification Programme
Economists & Statisticians…… Benefit-cost analysis
Researchers & Academics……. Assessment of impact
Public Health Authorities…….. Assessment of coverage
Manufacturer & Govt ; Consumer Social marketing Education
Food Control of Govt……………. External quality control & enforcement
QC of Manufacturer…………….. Internal quality control
Food Manufacturer……………… Production of fortified food
Premix Manufacturer…………… Supply of micronutrient premix
Cabinet & FDA……………………… Legislation & standards
Ministry of Health………………… Endorsement of FF as effective strategy
Academics,PH Advocates, NGOs. Evidence, science, justification, proposal
 Some lessons learned
• To achieve USI , focus shifted towards:

Securing political commitment  national
legislation

Forming partnerships and coalitions

Quality assurance and enforcement

Involving large scale producers; all types of salt

Including cost of fortification in the routine cost of
production and be absorbed by the consumer

Strengthen monitoring system: salt production and
quality (iodization), hh use and urinary iodine levels
UNICEF 2010
 Lessons learned and way forward

Experience with fortification of other foods has been
more limited but is expected to increase in future

Food fortification is a key component of nutrition
programs

Home fortification – to reach children under 2 years
old

Ownership by national public, private and civil
society leaders is key to ensure sustainability and
success of fortification programs

Document process and lessons learned on these
PPP initiatives
U