Bridging the Divide – Exploring Coherence Between Food Fortification and Noncommunicable Disease (NCD) Prevention

The global nutrition landscape is marked by the coexistence of micronutrient deficiencies and a rising burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), both linked to poor diet quality. Large-scale food fortification (LSFF) is a proven and cost-effective strategy to combat micronutrient deficiencies, it is among the most listed intervention in the food system transformation pathways and in Nutrition for Growth (N4G) commitments. However, fortification efforts may operate detached from broader nutrition and health efforts, particularly those targeting the prevention and control of NCDs which are reaching growing momentum.

This session will explore how greater policy coherence between LSFF and NCD prevention can be achieved—particularly across key policy domains such as nutrition labelling, food marketing restrictions, and taking into consideration underlying nutrient profiling systems, including those for food reformulation targets like sodium reduction. In many cases, policy measures in one area may inadvertently undermine efforts in another, reducing their overall effectiveness.