Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 4 — Narrative / commentaryIndustry / policy report

Guidelines on Biofortification

FAO/WHO

2019

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Summary

This FAO/WHO guidance document establishes a framework for the design, implementation, and evaluation of biofortification programmes intended to address micronutrient deficiencies in populations reliant on staple crops. It likely draws on existing evidence to recommend target nutrient concentrations, acceptable agronomic and breeding approaches, and indicators for assessing nutritional impact at a population level. As an international normative document, it is intended to inform national governments, researchers, and development organisations in the design of evidence-based biofortification strategies.

UK applicability

The guidelines are primarily directed at low- and middle-income countries where micronutrient deficiency in staple-crop-dependent populations is most acute; however, they may inform UK policy on nutrient density standards, crop breeding priorities, and international development programming related to food and nutrition security.

Key measures

Micronutrient target levels in staple crops; bioavailability criteria; population coverage indicators; safety thresholds for fortified crops

Outcomes reported

The document sets out definitions, concepts, and recommended approaches for biofortification of staple crops, including criteria for evaluating efficacy and safety. It provides guidance on target nutrients, crop selection, and indicators for monitoring impact on population micronutrient status.

Theme
Nutrition & health
Subject
Micronutrition & food fortification
Study type
Guideline
Study design
Policy report
Source type
Industry/policy report
Status
Published
Geography
International
System type
Food supply chain
Catalogue ID
XL0494

Topic tags

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