Review of the cost components of introducing industrially fortified rice. (24th June 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Roks, Eveline
• Other Names: De‐Regil Luz Maria guestEditor.; Laillou Arnaud guestEditor.; Moench-Pfanner Regina guestEditor.; Peña‐Rosas Juan Pablo guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. Volume 1324(2014)
• Page Start: 82
• Page End: 91
• Publication Date: 2014-06-24
• Subjects: rice -- fortification -- micronutrient -- deficiencies -- economic -- feasibility; Medical sciences -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Science -- Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1111/nyas.12480
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0077-8923

Abstract

Abstract : Micronutrient deficiencies affect over two billion people worldwide, particularly in developing countries. Fortification of staple foods with multiple micronutrients is a cost‐effective strategy to increase vitamin and mineral intake. The objective of this paper is to review the cost elements of industrially fortified rice by identifying the costs related to the implementation of rice fortification programs, using the experience of the United Nations World Food Programme in its pilot countries. The actual total costs of rice fortification are not easily captured. Core cost elements include the production of fortified rice kernels, transportation to the point of blending, blending of fortified with unfortified rice, costs related to sales or distribution, quality control and assurance, and additional planning. In the introduction phase, organizations or coalitions seeking to advance rice fortification will face additional costs related to the initiation of rice fortification. In the scale‐up phase, greater efficiency in the supply chain and economies of scale can be expected. Different cost elements are normally borne by different stakeholders. This makes the implementation of rice fortification programs a feasible option to reach vulnerable populations with inadequate access to affordable nutrition solutions.