Tag Archive for: Millers for Nutrition

Miller in the Spotlight: Aderemi Adepoju, Championing Quality at Dangote Sugar Refinery

At Dangote Sugar Refinery (DSR), quality is not just a standard, it is a promise. This commitment was celebrated at the 2025 Micronutrient Fortification Awards Ceremony, where DSR proudly received the “Best in Vitamin A Compliance for Sugar” award. The recognition reflects years of deliberate effort to ensure that every bag of sugar leaving the refinery is not only sweet, but safe, nutritious, and fortified to meet national standards.

Aderemi Adepoju (center) receiving the award at the 2025 Micronutrient Fortification Awards Ceremony for Dangote Sugar Refinery.

Behind this achievement are dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to uphold product integrity. One of them is Aderemi Adepoju, the Quality Assurance Manager at Dangote Sugar Refinery, whose day-to-day work plays a vital role in ensuring that quality and fortification remain non-negotiable.

For Aderemi no two days are exactly the same, but each one begins with clarity of purpose. “A typical day at Dangote Sugar Refinery starts with meetings and discussions around what we want to achieve for the day,” he explains. These morning check-ins are not routine formalities; they are strategic touchpoints where the quality team aligns on daily production targets, reviews operational realities, and maps out how best to deploy available resources. “We look at the resources that are available and harness them to ensure that we meet our target for the day. At DSR, our target is set daily, and we make sure we achieve it.”

From production monitoring to quality checks and fortification verification, Adepoju’s role sits at the intersection of precision and responsibility. Each batch of sugar must meet strict internal and regulatory benchmarks, especially when it comes to Vitamin A fortification. For him and his team, this means constant vigilance; checking processes, validating results, and ensuring that standards are not just met, but sustained.

Aderemi Adepoju (center) with the Millers for Nutrition team at Dangote Sugar Refinery, Lagos, Nigeria, during a courtesy visit at the start of the year.

Yet beyond the technical demands of the job, what truly drives Adepoju is the human impact of his work. When asked about the most rewarding part of his role, his answer is immediate and heartfelt. “A part of my job that makes me the most proud is that I am in the position to ensure that those who take our products are able to get quality products and get the best, even more than the money they spent on the products.”

It is this mindset, putting the consumer first, that defines Adepoju’s approach to quality assurance. For him, sugar is not just a commodity; it is a product that reaches millions of households and contributes, in its fortified form, to better nutrition outcomes. Knowing that his work helps families access safe, adequately fortified sugar gives deeper meaning to every inspection, meeting, and report.

Together, Aderemi Adepoju ’s dedication and Dangote Sugar Refinery’s culture of excellence demonstrate what is possible when quality, accountability, and impact are placed at the center of production. This journey is further strengthened through the support of Millers for Nutrition, which provides technical assistance to help ensure that fortification is done correctly, consistently, and in line with national standards. Through this collaboration, DSR continues to refine its processes, build technical capacity, and sustain high levels of Vitamin A compliance. 

Sector-Wide Training series in Indonesia on Rice Fortification

TechnoServe Indonesia, in partnership with Indonesia’s Rice Millers and Traders Association (PERPADI), successfully held three Sector-Wide Training (SWT) sessions on Rice Fortification.

These trainings took place in three cities—Yogyakarta, Malang, and Jakarta—over October and November 2025. The sessions covered technical materials on the production of fortified rice and fortified rice kernels (FRK), including premix, extrusion, blending processes, and Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC).

The training also highlighted the importance of rice fortification in Indonesia, existing regulations, and the business opportunities available to Indonesian millers.

Experts from Millers for Nutrition’s Strategic Fortification Partners (SFPs), including Buhler AG, dsm-firmenich, and Hexagon Nutrition, presented during the sessions. We also featured Indonesian fortified rice producers and FRK manufacturers who shared their experiences and challenges.

Over 100 millers participated in this training.

Empowering a Healthier Future through Wheat Flour Fortification!

Millers for Nutrition organized an Awareness Seminar and Retailer Workshop on “Wheat Flour Fortification” in Valsad on November 20th, 2025 in association with NPB Agro Pvt. Ltd. and Valsad Rotary Rangers.

The seminar was graced by esteemed guests, including Dr. Rajkumar Dagadkhair (ARS), Joint Director, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, as the Chief Guest, and Padmashree Dr. Yazdi Italia, Ex. Hon. Director, Go-NGO Sickle Cell Anaemia Control Program, Govt. of Gujarat, as the Guest of Honor. Dr. Nimisha Patel and Dr. Krunal Rana from Amit Hospitals Pvt. Ltd. also shared their valuable insights on the importance of food fortification.

Over 100 guests, including millers and retailers, attended the event, which aimed to build awareness about the benefits of wheat flour fortification. We are committed to working towards a healthier future for all and appreciate the support of our partners, speakers, and participants in making this event a success.

Key Highlights:

  • Awareness Seminar and Retailer Workshop on Wheat Flour Fortification
  • Esteemed guests from Food Safety and Standards Authority of India and healthcare sector
  • Over 100 attendees, including millers and retailers
  • Focus on building awareness about the importance of wheat flour fortification

Let’s work together towards a healthier future!

West Bengal Steps Up in the Fight Against Malnutrition as Millers for Nutrition and Industry Leaders Launch Five New Fortified Food Brands in Kolkata

Initiative brings together government, experts, and millers to strengthen nutrition security and expand access to fortified rice and wheat flour across the state

In a major step toward tackling malnutrition and hidden hunger, Millers for Nutrition, powered by TechnoServe, today brought together millers, nutrition experts, government officials, and industry leaders at Peerless Hotel, Esplanade, Kolkata for the launch of five new fortified food brands. In continuation of the series of national events themed “Unlocking Market Potential: Advancing Fortified Staple Foods” this event in Kolkata underscored how food fortification can significantly improve nutrition outcomes for families across the state.

Senior representatives from the Food and Civil Supplies Department – Government of West Bengal, FSSAI Eastern Region, and the Food Corporation of India attended the event.

Speaking at the event, Rizwan Yusufali, Global Program Director, Millers for Nutrition, said, “Malnutrition remains one of India’s most urgent public health concerns. Fortified staple foods offer a simple, proven way to improve nutrition at scale. The launch of five fortified brands in West Bengal shows what is possible when millers, government, and partners come together with a shared mission. This collaboration is a meaningful step toward building a healthier and more nutrition-secure West Bengal.”

“Strengthening food processing capabilities is essential for scaling fortification effectively. Today’s progress in West Bengal shows how the food processing industry can lead the way in ensuring that safe, fortified, and high-quality foods reach every household,” added Dominic Schofield, Senior Director – Agri Food Systems, TechnoServe.

At the event, five fortified brands were officially introduced to consumers in West Bengal. KPS Agro Products launched its KPS Kitchen King Fortified Atta, reaffirming its commitment to providing safe and nutritious wheat flour. Gitakshi Mercantile Pvt. Ltd. introduced Gitakshi Fortified Rice, developed through modern milling practices and guided by the Agarwal family’s focus on quality and nutrition. Jasmine Rice Mill unveiled KPS Kitchen King Fortified Rice, highlighting its efforts to improve access to healthier rice for local households. Hanumanta Food Products Pvt. Ltd. launched Hanumanta Fortified Atta, expanding its existing range of Atta, Maida, Sooji, and Pasta. Bagaria Foods LLP presented fortified Atta offerings under its well-known Royal brand, giving consumers more nutritious options in their daily food choices.

These launches are expected to play a vital role in addressing anaemia and micronutrient deficiencies, which have remained persistent challenges in the state, especially among women and children. The discussions held during the event also highlighted how fortified foods can strengthen school meal programs, public distribution systems, and the commercial retail market.

As West Bengal advances its fight against hidden hunger, Millers for Nutrition reaffirmed its commitment to supporting millers with technical assistance, training, and market guidance to make fortified foods a mainstream reality for every household.

Training for Fortified Rice Blending Millers on QC, QA and SOP for Production of Fortified Rice.

Dhaka, Bangladesh: Collaboration of Millers for Nutrition Coalition (powered by TechnoServe), Nutrition International and World Food Programme successfully organized a two-days training program on Production, Quality Control, Quality Assurance and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for Rice Fortification. The training, held in two batches; 1st batch on 22–23 November 2025 and 2nd batch on 24-25 November 2025 at BRAC CDM, Savar, Dhaka, brought together fortified rice blending millers from across the country. A total of 140 fortified rice blending mill owners & representatives participated in the program.

The primary objective of the program was to enhance the capacity and technical skills of blending millers in rice fortification production, quality control, quality assurance, and adherence to SOPs, thereby supporting the efficient and consistent production and distribution of fortified rice under the Social Safety Net Programme (SSNP) run by the Government of Bangladesh.

Expert resource persons from TechnoServe, World Food Programme (WFP), Nutrition International (NI), Bühler, Directorate General of Food (DG Food), and Department of Women Affairs (DWA) facilitated training sessions.

A brief inaugural session was held on the first day, with the Chief Guest Mr. Md. Abul Hasanath Humayun Kabir, Director General of Directorate General of Food (DG Food). Md. Firoz Uddin Khalifa, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs; Maribeth Black, Deputy Head of Program, WFP; and Sayed Julfiqur Mahmud Niaz, President, Bangladesh Fortified Rice Millers Association (BFRMA), were present as Special Guests.

Md. Guljer Ahmmed, Country Program Manager, TechnoServe; Dr. Mohammad Mahbobor Rahman, Senior Programme Policy Officer, WFP; and Md. Akib Abrar, Program Officer, Nutrition International (NI), Bangladesh, delivered welcome remarks.

All speakers highlighted the critical importance of robust Quality Control (QC) and Quality Assurance (QA) practices in fortified rice blending to ensure the production and distribution of high-quality fortified rice under the Social Safety Net Programmes (SSNP) of the Government of Bangladesh.

Mr. Md Abul Hasanath Humayun Kabir, Directorate General of Food (DG Food), attended as Chief Guest, he emphasized the important role played by Fortified Rice Blending Millers for supporting Government on production and distribution of fortified rice maintaining the quality and ensuring food safety. He commended TechnoServe, NI and WFP’s continued efforts in strengthening Bangladesh’s food fortification ecosystem.

Following the opening ceremony, participants engaged in a series of thematic modules, including classroom lectures, technical presentations, practical demonstrations, group discussions, Q&A sessions, and hands-on exercises focused on monitoring and inspection of fortified rice. Technical experts from TechnoServe, WFP, Bühler and NI led the sessions, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the training curriculum.

The event concluded with strong commitments from TechnoServe, WFP and NI to continue supporting the wider expansion and acceleration of the rice fortification program. Participating millers also shared practical recommendations aimed at further strengthening program implementation at the field level.

Md. Guljer Ahmmed, Country Program Manager, TechnoServe; Dr. Mohammad Mahbobor Rahman, Senior Programme Policy Officer, WFP; and Md. Akib Abrar, Program Officer, Nutrition International (NI), Bangladesh, also delivered their concluding remarks, expressing appreciation for the active participation and cooperation of all attendees.

In closing session of the last day, Md. Jamal Hossain, Additional Director General, Directorate General of Food (DG Food), attended as Chief Guest. He emphasized the government’s ongoing commitment to rice fortification program and expected fortified rice blending millers’ strong commitment to production and distribution of good quality fortified rice in the rice fortification program. Extended thanks to the participants, stakeholders, and development partners for their contributions and support to the training program before formally declaring the event closed.

The event concluded with commitments from TechnoServe, WFP, NI, to continue supporting blending millers in producing good quality fortified rice in SSNPs.

Miller of the Month – Ruth Butende, Quality Assurance Manager, Buffalo Millers Ltd., Kenya

In a milling industry driven by evolving technology, food safety standards, and a growing emphasis on nutrition, individuals who champion quality and commitment stand out. This month, we shine a spotlight on Ruth Butende, the dedicated Quality Assurance Manager at Buffalo Millers Ltd.

As our November 2025 Miller of the Month, Ruth shares Buffalo Millers Ltd.’s commitment to producing safe, nutritious, and fortified maize flour, operating by their motto, “Quality before Quantity.” She also highlighted the company’s achievement of the respected ISO 22000:2018 certification and driving tangible benefits through a strong focus on gender equity and continuous improvement.

Why did you decide to join Millers for Nutrition?

Buffalo Millers Ltd joined Millers for Nutrition to help reduce micronutrient deficiencies such as iron, zinc, and vitamin A through flour fortification, improving community health and ensuring compliance with legal standards. Through the Millers for Nutrition, we receive training and technical support that enhances product quality and operational efficiency. Our participation in Millers for Nutrition also demonstrates our commitment to safe, nutritious food and fosters collaboration with other millers and nutrition partners to promote innovation in fortification.

Tell us about your commitment to food fortification

Our motto “Quality before Quantity” reflects our commitment to producing safe, nutritious, and fortified maize flour that meets all legal standards while promoting better health outcomes for our consumers. This commitment is upheld through regular quality checks and laboratory testing conducted by trained and competent staff. In addition, we have fully integrated fortification into our production processes as part of our Food Safety Management System (FSMS), ensuring consistency, accuracy, and compliance with fortification standards and regulatory requirements.

Tell us about your gender equity program. How has it impacted your business?

At BML, promoting gender equity is fundamental to our operations. We are dedicated to providing equal opportunities for both men and women in recruitment, training, and career advancement across all levels. We maintain fair representation of women in key departments, including quality assurance, production, and administration, encouraging a safe and inclusive work environment for everyone. This commitment has delivered tangible business benefits, leading to improved teamwork and overall productivity

How long have you been in the milling business? How has the industry changed in that time?

Buffalo Millers Ltd has been in the milling business for over 12years now, focusing primarily on the production of high-quality maize flour and by-products. Over this period, the milling industry has evolved significantly, with major improvements in technology, food safety standards, and regulatory requirements. There have been enhanced production and quality control systems, ensuring greater efficiency and product consistency. Additionally, increased emphasis on food fortification, nutrition, and compliance with health and safety standards has transformed how mills operate.

What’s your proudest achievement?

The BML team is most proud of achieving the highly respected ISO 22000:2018 (FSMS) certification, an accomplishment supported by Millers for Nutrition. This recognition has significantly enhanced our knowledge and continues to drive improvements in our product quality. Furthermore, our dedication to excellence has been formally acknowledged with the Superior Diamond Mark of Excellence for our products. Beyond these technical achievements, our enduring motto, ‘Quality before Quantity,’ guides our commitment to promoting a positive work environment built on quality, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Building Model FRK Units: A Food Safety Management System Approach

TechnoServe, a global non-profit organization active in nearly 30 countries, is implementing the Inspiring Good Nutrition Initiatives Through Enterprise (IGNITE) program to promote large-scale food fortification.   TechnoServe has launched a groundbreaking initiative to establish Model Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK) units equipped with Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS) and ISO 22000 certification to enhance and sustain the quality of fortified rice kernels supplied through the Public Distribution System (PDS).

The project led by Abhishek Shukla, Country Program Manager – IGNITE India, envisions establishing six model FRK units in its initial phase, namely AJ Industries (Raipur), Creative Nutrition (Hyderabad), Shri Poornima Agro (Lucknow), Fortfit Food (Kolkata), Gandhi FRK (Fatehpur), and SVHG Agri Solutions LLP (Sangareddy). These units will serve as benchmarks, providing a platform for nearby FRK manufacturers, Centers of Excellence (CoEs), Technical Support Units (TSUs), and government delegations to visit, learn, and adopt international best practices in fortification, FRK manufacturing, food safety, and quality. As more FRK units join this journey, the impact will continue to grow — building trust, improving nutrition, and ensuring safer food for all.

Survey Insights and Challenges Identified (GAP Assessment)

A detailed survey across West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana identified six key sites for the establishment of model units. The survey highlighted critical challenges such as:

1. Infrastructure & Facility Management

  • Inadequate infrastructure and storage conditions
  • Gaps in maintenance and cleanliness
  • Poor ventilation, lighting, and temperature control affecting product safety
  • Lack of proper waste disposal leading to cross-contamination risks

2. Hygiene & Sanitation

  • Weak hygiene, sanitation, and pest management practices
  • Limited awareness of personal hygiene protocols
  • Absence of proper cleaning schedules and monitoring systems
  • Inadequate training on food safety practices for workers

3. Systems & Process Control

  • Insufficient implementation of documented systems
  • Lack of control at critical points increases wastage and chances of defective batches
  • No proper traceability or recall system in case of defective products
  • Inconsistent calibration and maintenance of equipment leading to quality variations

4. Product Quality & Compliance

  • Fortified kernels may have inconsistent nutrient levels and higher chances of contamination
  • Variation in product appearance (size, shape, color) leading to consumer rejection
  • Reduced shelf life and stability of fortified kernels due to poor handling
  • Non-compliance can lead to audit failures, regulatory penalties, and loss of buyer trust

Addressing these areas is central to ensuring both the nutritional value and safety of fortified rice.

Building Capacity and Food Safety Culture

To strengthen systems sustainably, training programs are being conducted for employees at all units. These sessions focus on:

B

Building Capacity

  • Development of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for each critical process step.
  • Process validation to ensure consistent and safe FRK production.
  • HACCP-based manufacturing process streamlining through structured training and documentation.
  • Identification and implementation of Critical Control Points (CCPs), Operational Prerequisite Programs (OPRPs), and Prerequisite Programs (PRPs) to improve and sustain product quality.
  • Establishing traceability and documentation systems for raw material to finished product.
  • Periodic audits and mock drills (e.g., product recall exercises) to test system readiness.
  • Capacity building of quality control teams with modern tools and testing methods.
  • Regular training programs for workers, supervisors, and management on GMP, HACCP, and FSMS.
  • Engagement with external experts and regulatory bodies for continuous learning.

Fostering Food Safety Culture

  • Leadership commitment – management leading by example in prioritizing food safety.
  • Promoting accountability at all levels – every worker responsible for hygiene and safety.
  • Encouraging reporting of issues without fear of blame to ensure proactive problem-solving.
  • Displaying food safety awareness posters and visual reminders across the unit.
  • Recognition and reward systems for staff adhering to good food safety practices.
  • Building a “safety-first mindset” where product quality and consumer health take precedence over speed or cost.

Such capacity building ensures that food safety becomes part of the organization’s culture, not just a compliance requirement.

FSMS and ISO 22000 Implementation

Through Normes Decodees’ expertise in consulting, auditing, and training, FRK units are being guided to achieve ISO 22000 certification, creating a structured framework for:

  • Hazard identification and risk control
  • Consistent quality assurance across production
  • Regulatory compliance at both national and international levels
  • Increased consumer confidence and market credibility
  • Enhanced efficiency through reduced waste and better process control
  • Development of robust documentation and SOPs at different levels

Nutritional and Public Health Impact of FRK

By embedding Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS) into day-to-day operations, fortified rice kernel production achieves long-term reliability, sustainability, and public health impact.

The adoption of fortified rice kernel under FSMS ensures:

  1. Consistent Nutritional Value during production – Uniform enrichment with iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 to ensure reliable nutritional benefits
  2. Improved Public Health Outcomes – Reduction in anemia and micronutrient deficiencies among vulnerable populations.
  3. Sustainable Health Gains – Strengthened immunity, cognitive growth, and overall well-being.
  4. Cost-Effective Nutrition Delivery – A scalable, affordable approach without requiring dietary changes.
  5. Stronger National Nutrition Programs – Supporting the Public Distribution System (PDS) and government-led initiatives.

ISO 22000-certified FRK units further safeguard nutrient stability and quality consistency through rigorous monitoring, validation, and control measures.

Vision for the Future

“The integration of FRK Manufacturing with ISO 22000 standards positions these Model FRK units as Centers of Excellence. These facilities not only demonstrate compliance and quality but also serve as models to inspire other FRK Units to adopt structured food safety practices”. says Abhishek Shukla, the driving force behind implementing robust Food Safety Management Systems in select FRK units across India’s major rice-producing states.

With continuous training, infrastructure strengthening, and robust FSMS adherence, the partnership between TechnoServe and Normes Decodees is driving a transformation of the fortified rice sector into a trusted, efficient, and sustainable industry.

This initiative reflects a shared commitment to advancing nutrition, food safety, and public health—paving the way for India’s fortified rice production to align with the highest global standards.

Note of Thanks from Ruposhi Rice and Pushti Mills, Bangladesh

We are thrilled to share the success story of Ruposhi Rice & Pushti Mills Ltd, who recently achieved the prestigious FSSC 22000 V6 Certificate. 

Read on as they express their heartfelt gratitude for the technical guidance and expertise provided by Millers for Nutrition, highlighting the impact of this collaboration on their food safety management systems.

Miller of the Month – Yanee Lasahido, Head of Research & Product Development, PT. Food Station Tjipinang Jaya (PERSERODA), Indonesia

Food Station has a mandate of providing staple foods to the residents of Jakarta, for example through the Pangan Murah Bersubsidi Program. Do you think there is a place for fortified rice in this program, and how would that benefit the Food Station’s mission?

The Subsidized Food Program is a social safety net program for the people of Jakarta that is budgeted by the Jakarta Provincial Government and implemented by BUMD Food Station throughout the year. If we look at the Food Law No. 18/2012, which regulates and ensures the consumption of safe, quality and nutritionally balanced food. This means that food provision for the community is not only calorie-based but also nutritious. Thus, the answer is that fortified rice is a choice that makes sense provided that the price of the rice is not higher than the applicable price ceiling and has a clear purpose, for example increasing immunity or reducing anemia. Converting regular premium rice into special medium rice / fortified rice is very possible as long as this is approved by the Governor.

Can you share the challenges and successes you’ve faced during the launch of your fortified rice product, and what lessons have you learned along the way?

From the beginning, we realized that the biggest challenge in fortified rice is the higher price of regular rice; public awareness of health and knowledge about fortified rice is still minimal. For other technical matters such as FRK providers, I think it can be done gradually and the technology already exists. While the demand from the government is not yet open, we are testing this product in commercial areas with the aim of getting insight as well as introducing this rice to the public. To reach people who are vulnerable to health (underprivileged), government intervention is needed. The government must be a demand creator from regional to national scale. We also adjusted the marketing communication of this product by approaching the community of mothers who care about their children’s health. It can’t be fast, but we see a better awareness of this product. At this stage, seeing a change in awareness in the community, even if it is limited, is very promising. We are well aware that this is a process.

How do you see fortified flour rice contributing to addressing micronutrient deficiencies in Indonesia, and what role do you think millers play in ensuring nutrition security?

If we look at some existing studies from international or local, fortified rice should be a reasonable option. Besides being efficient, it can reach the public widely and quickly, considering that rice is the staple food of most people in Indonesia.

I think all rice will definitely go through a rice mill, from this alone we can know that rice mills play a very strategic role in delivering food quality that is not only good in appearance but also meets good nutritional criteria. I think rice mills need to get intense technical guidance or some workshop in order to produce fortified rice with more proper results.

What collaborations or partnerships has Food Station formed to support its fortification efforts, and how can millers work together to promote nutrition and fortification?

From the beginning we also realized that this fortified rice will be useful for many people. We realize that rice ii must be produced in each region, not necessarily in Jakarta. Therefore, in addition to producing, we also collaborate with many parties including millers, FRK producers, blend/mixer machine providers, including BUMDs and Provincial and District Governments who visit and conduct comparative studies at Food Station to introduce fortified rice and how to make it. Our Rice Mill Unit and blending machine at Cipinang site are also open for comparative studies. We hope that the information about fortified rice can be better absorbed and start thinking about implementing it in their respective regions. Incidentally, the Jakarta Provincial Government also has an inter-regional cooperation program and through this office we can discuss and socialize fortified rice to overcome stunting and other health problems in their respective regions. This can also be collaborated with universities.

Going forward, what are your plans for expanding fortified rice production and distribution, and what message would you like to share with our readers about the importance of fortification?

Currently, awareness about fortified rice is starting to grow among rice entrepreneurs, but this is not enough. Because the awareness of fortifying their products, especially rice, is a long-term result and not just a matter of business. For us, this is a statement that it is the people’s right to live a healthy life and we are trying to deliver it. We are well aware that this is like running a marathon, we must have enough energy to achieve this goal. We will continue to socialize this to production partners, namely rice mills under our guidance, in collaboration with modern retail outlets and traditional markets as well as Provincial and district governments through the Food Security Office and their respective regionally-owned enterprises.

Miller of the Month –  Jessica Nworgu, Quality Control Manager at Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN)

For our August Miller of the Month feature, we are proud to highlight Jessica Nworgu, Quality Control Manager at Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN). FMN recently achieved significant recognition at the 2025 Micronutrient Fortification Awards, with four of their brands: Golden Penny Prime Flour, Golden Penny Confectionary Flour, Classic All Purpose, and Superfine wheat flour jointly securing the top position in the Top Five Excellence Awards.

1. Why did you decide to join Millers for Nutrition?
Flour Mills of Nigeria (Golden Penny) joined Millers for Nutrition because we believe we can achieve more when we work together with other millers. The platform offers a unique opportunity for us learn new ideas, share experiences, and get the right support to make our fortification work even better. This includes access to cutting-edge research, innovative fortification techniques, regulatory insights, and a forum for peer-to-peer learning with other leading millers committed to similar goals.

2. Tell us about your commitment to food fortification
For us, food fortification is more than a business requirement, it is a commitment to improving lives. Every batch of flour we produce is meticulously checked to ensure optimal micronutrient levels, safety, and nutrition, aligning with Flour Mills of Nigeria’s mantra: “Feeding the nation with nutritious food everyday.”

3. Tell us about your gender equity program. How has it impacted your business?
At FMN, we are dedicated to creating opportunities for women across all areas of our company, including technical, operational, and leadership roles. Through comprehensive training, mentorship programs, and a fair recruitment process, we encourage an environment that champions diverse perspectives, strengthens teamwork, and ultimately leads to improved outcomes. This commitment also cultivates a positive workplace culture that reflects favorably on our business.

4. How long have you been in the milling business? How has the industry changed in that time?
For over 64 years, Flour Mills has been a part of the milling industry. The milling industry has evolved so much since then. Technology now plays a bigger role, and there is more focus on nutrition, sustainability, and meeting strict quality standards. My role has similarly expanded, transitioning from a primary focus on production to leading initiatives improve nutrition and strengthen partnership

5. What’s your proudest achievement?
I am immensely proud of the impact our fortified products have had on combating micronutrient deficiencies nationwide. On a personal note, witnessing the growth of younger colleagues I have had the privilege to mentor into confident industry professionals brings me great satisfaction. Above all, these awards (five awards at 2025 MFI award ceremony) is the height of my career in flour milling