(P11-009-24) Linking Food Supply and Population Survey Data To Improve Tracking of Micro-Nutrient Intakes From Fortified Foods in Target Populations: A New Method

Objectives: Large-scale food fortification (LSFF) programs add micronutrients (MN) to consumed staple foods. It is thus important to track changes in MN delivery among target populations over time, which requires data inputs on the food consumption patterns and MN content of the fortified foods.

To date, the main sources of such data have been population surveys; however, these are not routinely conducted. While staple food consumption patterns do not change quickly over time, the quality of the consumed foods can.

We developed a method for linking data on fortified food availability and MN content with population survey data on food consumption to enable improved and more frequent estimates of MN intakes.

Methods: As per a recently described desk review model, (1) we use various available data sources to disaggregate food volumes into food supply/distribution channels, (2) identify fortifiable entities, meaning producers and products that can be fortified, to estimate the proportion of fortifiable food volume, (3) use monitoring data confirming fortification of producers or products to determine the proportion of fortified food volume and average MN content of the fortified food product selection.

Population survey data provides food consumption disaggregated by population group (vulnerability, geographic area) and data describing their food types and main acquisition channels.

We match both sources via the food product selection in the acquisition channels of a distinguished population groups to estimate the fortified proportion of the food product selection and average MN content by population group.

Results: The % of fortifiable and fortified food, ranging from 44-99% and 49-94% by zone for oil in Nigeria, respectively, is matched with population survey data and disaggregated results show these proportions and MN content by the food product selection of population groups.

Conclusions: Linking food supply chain and survey data in a standardized way can enable more accurate and frequent estimates of MN intakes critical to understanding if the LSFF program is delivering the desired benefit, while encouraging adequate frequency and data collection points along the food supply chain.

The method is adaptable and can be applied across various countries. Refinement of data collection tools can further improve accuracy.

Funding Sources: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation