Fortified with 10 crucial micronutrients, "Fortified Wheat Flour" has been launched for the first time in the commercial market in the country by IFAD Multi Products Limited through a grand event organized by IFAD Multi Products Limited with the technical support of the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) at the Westin Dhaka recently, says a press release.
The launch event was graced by S M Ferdaus Alam, Director General (Grade-1) of Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) as the Chief Guest, Tanveer Ahmed, Vice Chairman IFAD Group, Reazul H Chowdhury, Group MD, IFAD Group, and Dr. Rudaba Khondker, Country Director, Bangladesh, GAIN, renowned Professors, Doctors and Nutritionistsfromthe Neuroscience and Hospital and BIRDEM, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Institute of Public Health, Bangladesh National Nutrition Council, high officials from Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Industries, Ministry of Food and Ministry of Commerce, development agencies and officials from IFAD and GAIN also attended the event along with members of the Media fraternity.
Earlier, Mahbub Baset COO, of IFAD Multi Products and Dr. Ashek Mahfuz, Portfolio Lead, GAIN welcomed the distinguished guests to the event, followed by a brief Presentation on "Food Fortification in Bangladesh: Wheat Flour" by Abul Bashar Chowdhury, Project Manager, GAIN.
Inadequate micronutrient intakes persist and the high prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies, including zinc, iodine, vitamin A, and folate, remain a challenge, especially among vulnerable groups. Malnutrition - including obesity, overweight, and underweight affects more than 2 billion people in the world.
Malnutrition can cost a nation up to US$3 trillion a year in the form of lost productivity, slow economic growth and can reduce a nation's GDP by 3-16%. In Bangladesh, around 70% of NPNL women had two or more micronutrient deficiencies and 24% had any one micronutrient deficiency (NMS: 2019-20).24% of children under 5 are stunted, 11% are wasted and 22 % are underweight (BDHS, 2022).
Food fortification can help hundreds of millions of people access essential nutrients early on in their lives without changing food habits so they can reach their full potential. And there is a strong business case as well - every $1 invested in fortification generates $27 in economic return from averted disease, improved earnings, and enhanced work productivity.
As per Bangladesh standards, Wheat Flour is fortified with 10 essential micronutrients such as B6, B12, Calcium, Folic Acid, Iron, Niacin, Riboflavin, Thiamin, Vitamin A and Zinc, designed to address common health concerns and boost overall well-being. This fortified Wheat Flour promotes stronger bones, improved immunity, enhanced energy, prevents anemia and birth defects and ensures brain development for children, making it a vital addition to the daily diet for Bangladeshi families striving for a healthier diet for all.
