The fortification of staple foods with micronutrients is a critical public health strategy to combat malnutrition. However, ensuring the quality of fortified foods remains a challenge in many regions. QuImpact, a non-profit technical service provider, partnered with BioAnalyt to conduct a market-level rapid assessment of fortified foods in Indonesia, Kenya, and India. Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and coordinated locally by Nutrition International (NI), the project aimed to validate a rapid testing methodology for micronutrient levels and provide baseline data to inform stakeholders and improve fortification programs.
Project Objectives and Approach
The project focused on the following objectives:
- Develop a rapid, affordable, and reliable testing methodology for micronutrient levels in fortified foods.
- Establish baseline fortification levels in each country to measure program progress and inform policy.
QuImpact coordinated sampling, trained local analysts, conducted testing, and analyzed data in collaboration with local organizations:
- Indonesia: Vitamin A in edible oil (partner: KFI)
- Kenya: Vitamin A and iron in wheat and maize flour (partner: TechnoServe)
- India: Vitamin A in edible oil and iron in fortified rice kernels (FRK) (partners: GAIN, PATH)
Sampling strategies targeted major food brands and regions covering 40-85% of relevant markets. Testing methods combined qualitative “yes/no” assessments with quantitative iCheck devices and local as well as German-accredited laboratory analysis to assess the applicability of different methods.
Key Outcomes 
- Indonesia: 84% of packaged edible oil samples from nine major brands met national Vitamin A standards (>45 IU RE/g), aligning with the national regulatory body’s report of 90% compliance.
- Kenya: Among wheat flour samples, 22% met Vitamin A standards, and 86% met iron standards. For maize flour, compliance was lower, with only 5% meeting Vitamin A and 62% meeting iron standards.
- India: 28% of fortified oil samples from Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh met Vitamin A standards, while 62% of FRK samples met iron standards (2800-4250 mg/kg).
The rapid testing results correlated well with traditional laboratory methods, demonstrating the potential of iCheck devices to provide reliable and actionable data at a fraction of the cost.
Learnings and Recommendations
The study highlighted the importance of early stakeholder engagement, comprehensive training for local analysts, and robust sampling protocols. Challenges such as logistical delays, resource constraints, and technical difficulties in interpreting low micronutrient levels underscored the need for meticulous planning and ongoing capacity building.
Key recommendations for future assessments include:
- Strengthening coordination with government agencies and local organizations.
- Utilizing spiked control samples to verify methods and ensure reliability.
- Standardizing reporting templates and protocols for streamlined execution.
Impact and Next Steps
The findings from this project provide actionable insights for enhancing food fortification programs in Indonesia, Kenya, and India. By enabling faster, more affordable compliance monitoring, rapid testing methodologies like iCheck pave the way for improved fortification practices, ultimately contributing to better public health outcomes.
QuImpact, in collaboration with BioAnalyt, is committed to scaling this approach and supporting local stakeholders with training, logistical support, and technical expertise. These efforts will drive the adoption of sustainable monitoring systems to ensure fortified foods meet national standards and reach those in need.
This initiative reflects the power of collaboration and innovation in addressing global nutrition challenges, setting a foundation for healthier communities worldwide.
Would you like to learn more about the project? Read the report here: Rapid Assessment Report