Stakeholders in Nigeria’s nutrition and food-processing sectors have called for the wider adoption and consumption of fortified rice following a global study which found that large-scale food fortification programmes prevent about seven billion inadequate micronutrient intakes annually.
The study, published in The Lancet Global Health, estimated that fortification programmes covering staple foods such as flour, rice, oil and salt currently prevent approximately 7.0 billion inadequate person-nutrient intakes each year across 185 countries, at an estimated annual cost of $1.06 billion, or about $0.18 per person.
The research, led by the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) in collaboration with researchers from the University of California, Davis Institute for Global Nutrition, the University of California, Santa Barbara, the World Bank and Tufts University, represents a comprehensive assessment of the health impact and cost of existing large-scale fortification programmes.
The survey, conducted by the Federal Government in collaboration with development and research partners, assessed the micronutrient status and dietary intake of women aged 15–49, children aged six to 59 months, and non-pregnant adolescent girls aged 10–14. Its findings were designed to guide evidence-based nutrition policies and interventions. Elere said four of the recommended corrective nutrients were mandatory, while three were optional in rice fortification. He also encouraged Nigerians to patronise locally produced rice, arguing that stronger domestic participation would improve the availability of fortified products and support local rice processors.
A Food Safety and Quality Officer, World Food Programme (WFP), Robert Irimat, also called for greater consumption of fortified rice during a media session in Lagos organised by TechnoServe in collaboration with the WFP. Irimat said rice was being considered as an additional fortification vehicle because of its widespread consumption and importance in Nigerian households.
He said malnutrittion was not peculiar to Nigeria, adding that essential micronutrients were necessary to correct nutritional imbalances and support healthy growth.
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Irimat noted that many children affected by malnutrition also experienced growth and developmental challenges, which could affect their ability to perform at the same level as their peers.
He identified anaemia as a major consequence associated with inadequate micronutrient intake, while cautioning Nigerians against confusing improved nutrition with overfeeding.
The Deputy Director and Head of the Food and Agriculture Group, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Mrs Nene Maudline Obianwu, said stakeholders in rice fortification had developed a Code of Practice to ensure that consumers derived the appropriate benefits from fortified rice.
Mrs Obianwu said the Federal Government had been deliberate in sustaining the standard, adding that other African countries were now looking towards Nigeria’s experience.
SON has stated that its Code of Practice was developed to guide the voluntary fortification of milled rice and provide a framework for the industry’s preparation for a possible mandatory regime.
The State Nutrition Officer, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Mrs Taiwo Arubuolawe-Fadairo, cautioned that food preparation practices could affect nutrient retention. She said excessive parboiling and inappropriate cooking practices could lead to the loss of some vital nutrients, depending on the nutrient and processing conditions. She also stressed the importance of using salt moderately in meals.
Industry reports indicated growing commercial interest in fortified rice and other fortified-food products. Future Market Insights projects the global fortified rice market to grow from $22.5 billion in 2025 to $38.4 billion by 2035.
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