Strategic Fortification Partner Spotlight: BASF

Strategic Fortification Partner, Diana Wairimu, Account Manager at BASF and food fortification advocate, talks about her inspiration, the importance of supporting millers, and how collaboration strengthens food systems.

What inspired you to join the food fortification journey?

My inspiration came from a combination of factors, including a commitment to public health, global nutrition goals, social impact, technological advancements, and the potential for collaboration.

Public Health: Food fortification is a cost-effective and sustainable strategy to improve public health by addressing micronutrient deficiencies. My inspiration came from a desire to combat malnutrition and its adverse health consequences, such as stunting, birth defects, and impaired cognitive development.

Global Nutrition Goals: Organizations like the World Health Organization and the United Nations have set global nutrition goals that include reducing malnutrition and eliminating vitamin and mineral deficiencies. My desire to join the food fortification journey aligned with these goals and provides an opportunity to contribute to global nutrition efforts.

Social Impact: Food fortification has the potential to make a significant positive impact on vulnerable populations, particularly in low-income countries. My inspiration to join the journey stemmed from the desire to contribute to the well-being of those who are most in need.

Can you share a specific example of how you’ve seen knowledge transform a miller’s operations?

One specific example of how QA/QC knowledge transformed an edible oil miller’s operations in food fortification is when the miller implemented a comprehensive quality control system to ensure the proper fortification of their edible oils with essential vitamins and minerals. Previously, the miller had no standardized process in place, leading to inconsistent fortification levels and potential health risks. With the implementation of QA/QC knowledge, the miller was able to establish strict testing protocols, monitor fortification levels throughout the production process, and verify the accuracy of the fortification equipment. This not only ensured the nutritional quality of their products but also improved consumer trust and compliance with food regulations.

What unique value did you find in being a part of Millers for Nutrition?

Collaboration and knowledge sharing: Being a part of this initiative allows millers to collaborate with other stakeholders, such as government agencies, NGOs, and public health organizations. This collaboration fosters knowledge sharing, best practices, and ongoing research and development in the field of food fortification in an environment where all stakeholders can participate freely.