Fortifying food goes beyond just adding nutrients. It’s about creating solid systems that ensure the quality, trust, and lasting benefits of the products we consume. At Precision Nutrition Advisory (PNA), we believe that food fortification truly works when Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) systems meet national standards, stay reliable, practical, and consistently applied to deliver the intended health benefits.
Shrimp bouillon cube. Credit: Gregory Urquiaga / UC Davis
Why QA/QC Matters in Food Fortification
PNA, in collaboration with the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) and Helen Keller International (HKI), served as the technical consultant for a baseline assessment of QA/QC and fortification practices at selected bouillon production facilities in Nigeria. This assessment identified gaps that laid the foundation for several discussions with industry personnel assisting bouillon manufacturers in a foresight capacity in preparing for the fortification program. On the other hand, it provided an excellent avenue for those already fortifying to review their current processes and procedures for more effective fortification. The QAQC systems ensure that fortified products consistently meet regulatory standards, maintain their nutritional integrity, and are safe for consumers.
What We Found and the Next Steps
The baseline assessment involved visits to various bouillon facilities and discussions with key industry players. From this, some important insights were gathered:
- Producers are ready to fortify: Many manufacturers are eager to get involved with fortification, but face challenges. Issues such as limited access to lab testing, difficulties handling fortification premixes, and fortification-specific documentation are among those identified.
- Technical expertise: Some producers, in particular, struggle with the technical aspects of fortification. This gap often stems from a knowledge standpoint rather than from a factory process requirement.
- Collaboration is key: The importance of collaborative work cannot be overemphasized. A multi-stakeholder approach that includes regulators, industry experts, and technical partners is essential. The alignment of stakeholders proved not only effective in underscoring the program but also in enabling everyone to work more effectively towards fortification goals.
PNA’s Ongoing Commitment
As Nigeria moves towards voluntary fortification of bouillon, it is clear that progress will not happen overnight. It will take continuous collaboration, dedicated technical efforts, and a focus on strengthening systems. For PNA, that means creating practical, data-driven solutions that help fortification standards turn into real, actionable, and measurable public health improvements.
We are committed to supporting our partners with expert advice and hands-on assistance while strengthening the systems that ensure the quality and impact of fortified bouillon cubes across Nigeria.
By working together, PNA aims to make lasting changes and ensure Nigerian consumers have access to fortified foods that help tackle micronutrient deficiencies and improve public health nationwide.
