IFAD launches Fortified Wheat Flour in Bangladesh

For the first time in Bangladesh's commercial market, IFAD Multi Products Limited has introduced "Fortified Wheat Flour," enriched with 10 essential micronutrients, in collaboration with the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN). 

The launching event took place at The Westin Dhaka, aiming to address micronutrient deficiencies prevalent across the country.

Micronutrient deficiencies, including zinc, iodine, vitamin A, and folate, remain a major public health challenge in Bangladesh, particularly among vulnerable groups. According to the 2019-20 National Micronutrient Survey, 70% of non-pregnant, non-lactating women have two or more micronutrient deficiencies, while 24% of children under five are stunted, 11% are wasted, and 22% are underweight (BDHS 2022).

Food fortification is recognised as a cost-effective solution, with every $1 invested yielding $27 in economic returns through reduced disease burden, improved productivity, and enhanced earnings. The newly launched Fortified Wheat Flour contains essential nutrients like Vitamin A, Zinc, Iron, Folic Acid, Calcium, and Vitamins B6 and B12, designed to promote stronger bones, improved immunity, better energy levels, and cognitive development in children.

The launch event was attended 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 nutritionists from the Neuroscience & 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 guests to the event, followed by a brief Presentation on "Food Fortification in Bangladesh: Wheat Flour" by Abul Bashar Chowdhury, Project Manager, GAIN.

Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) and IFAD Multi Products Limited jointly introduced Fortified Wheat Flour in Bangladesh's commercial market as the first initiative. Through this, Bangladesh will go one step ahead in fulfilling the commitments made in the resolution adopted in the 76th World Health Assembly (WHA) to address the health crisis caused by folate and other micronutrient deficiencies.