Unlocking Food Security: WBCSD’s Essential Playbook for Accelerating Nutrition through Food Fortification

Food plays a crucial role in our health. It shapes our culture and boosts our productivity. However, millions of people struggle to afford a healthy diet. Currently, over 3 billion individuals cannot eat the way they should. More than 2 billion suffer from micronutrient deficiencies, often without even knowing it. This “hidden hunger” leads to weaker immune systems, poor brain development, and higher chances of chronic diseases like heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Additionally, our food production methods contribute to climate change and worsen social inequalities. We must transform our food systems to make them healthier, fairer, and more sustainable for everyone.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to these food system challenges. We need a variety of solutions. One effective approach is food fortification, which is adding essential vitamins and minerals to common foods. This method can help fill nutrient gaps and improve overall public health. However, successful fortification relies on teamwork across different sectors, solid laws, and raising consumer awareness.

Micronutrient deficiencies are worsened by climate change, which makes it harder to access nutrient-rich foods. Economic factors also limit many people’s ability to enjoy diverse diets. These issues hit low- and middle-income populations the hardest, but it’s a global problem. To tackle this, the World Health Assembly is pushing for stronger food fortification efforts. This strategy is a cost-effective and research-backed way to address nutrient shortages. Yet, fortification shouldn’t be treated as a standalone solution; it should be part of a broader food system approach that includes promoting diverse diets and sustainable agricultural practices.

Businesses have a big part to play in enhancing food fortification efforts. According to feedback from members of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), a new playbook offers a comprehensive plan for companies looking to implement effective fortification strategies while also supporting policymakers and NGOs focused on nutrition security. Here are some key points from the playbook:

• Using data to identify nutrients that need focus and choosing the right food types for fortification.
• Overcoming hurdles like cost challenges and gaps in consumer awareness.
• Promoting collaboration among stakeholders and aligning policies to support fortification.
• Engaging consumers effectively and building capacity for lasting fortification efforts.

Food fortification requires a team effort throughout the supply chain. At Tetra Pak, we’re dedicated to providing safe nutrition through solid partnerships. Together, we can develop fortified solutions that truly make a difference.

– Tetra Pak

As a nutrition leader, our goal is to combat micronutrient deficiencies. Large-scale food fortification is a wise approach to end hidden hunger and improve lives.

– dsm-firmenich

As we look ahead to the 2025 Nutrition for Growth Summit, discussions around enhancing food systems and public health are gaining traction. Fortification is already seen as a key strategy in this broader plan. The summit offers a great chance to accelerate progress by strengthening regulations, increasing funding for fortification projects, and raising public consciousness.

For those eager to make a difference, WBCSD’s playbook provides insights and best practices for integrating fortification into a sustainable food approach. By collaborating, we can make fortified foods more accessible and effective, contributing to a healthier future for all.

This playbook was crafted by Eat Well Global, WBCSD, and experts from member companies focusing on fortification and biofortification.

For more details about this playbook, reach out to the Healthy & Sustainable Diets team.