Food Fortification Initiative (FFI)

Today is World Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Day 🌏 #SpinaBifida and hydrocephalus can often be prevented when mothers get enough folic acid. Fortifying cereal grains with folic acid is a proven, cost-effective way to help prevent birth defects like spina bifida and hydrocephalus, and it doesn’t require any change in consumers' habits. Learn about one Kenyan mother’s experience: https://buff.ly/4f9kiSh #SBAM24 #WSBHD24 #BridgingGapsTogether

FFI was proud to attend a fortification roadmap workshop with our partners in East and Southern Africa last week. At the workshop, FFI presented a situational analysis of the fortification opportunities in the region, facilitated a working group on regulatory monitoring, and more. See this Kenyan news outlet's coverage of the event: https://buff.ly/3YCpNmz

We are pleased to announce Mark Lotsch as the chair of FFI’s Executive Management Team (EMT)! Mark joined our EMT in 2021 with over 20 years of experience in the food industry, including his current role as President of Global Health and Wellness at ADM. We are excited to continue partnering with Mark and ADM through our shared commitment to improve nutrition and health for all. Learn more about FFI's Executive Management Team: https://lnkd.in/g4StnvxH

A study published using FFI data found that 63,520 birth defects of the brain and spine were prevented globally in 2020 due to flour being fortified with folic acid. That’s an average of 174 healthier babies every day! Learn more about how folic acid fortification of cereal grains can help prevent #BirthDefects worldwide: https://buff.ly/34JpiL7 #SBAM24 #BridgingGapsTogether

#DYK consuming foods fortified with folic acid or taking folic acid supplements reduces the risk of babies developing a #BirthDefect of the brain and spine in the womb. By consuming 400 micrograms of folic acid through fortified foods, women of reproductive age can help ensure they enter pregnancy with sufficient nutrient stores—reducing the risk of having a birth defect-affected pregnancy. Learn more about how folic acid #fortification can help prevent birth defects like Spina Bifida: https://buff.ly/34JpiL7 #SBAM24 #BridgingGapsTogether

This #WorldFoodDay we celebrate the many partnerships that make our work possible. We highlight one private sector partner, ADM, whose partnership over the past four years has helped FFI build programs that prevent micronutrient deficiencies for billions: https://lnkd.in/er8rwpY6

As National Hispanic Heritage Month ends, we recognize that US Hispanic women face the highest risk of pregnancies affected by birth defects of the brain and spine in the country. Selling folic acid fortified corn masa products is a simple, effective way to ensure that mothers get the nutrients they need, reduce disparities, and strengthen the health of your community. 💪 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eYvZizGi #HispanicHeritageMonth #HispanicHeritage #MesDeLaHerenciaHispana #HispanaHerencia

As a vendor, the food you carry on your shelves makes a difference. 🛒 A recent Food Fortification Initiative market assessment in California and Texas found that only 13% of corn masa flour, corn tortillas, tostadas, and taco shells were fortified with folic acid. If these corn masa products were fortified, hundreds of birth defects of the brain and spine could be prevented, and lives could be saved each year. Be part of the change and ask your suppliers for folic acid fortified corn masa products. https://lnkd.in/eYvZizGi #MejorConÁcidoFólico

Did you know that daily folic acid consumption can help prevent birth defects of the brain and spine? To increase your intake, look for foods fortified with folic acid (form of vitamin B9), like some types of corn masa flour. You can also ensure you get enough of this essential nutrient by taking daily supplements. Getting enough folic acid can help promote a healthy pregnancy and prevent birth defects. https://lnkd.in/eYvZizGi #MejorConÁcidoFólico PC: Angela Latimer

Of all Americans, US Hispanic women face the highest risk of pregnancies affected by birth defects of the brain and spine. Doctors recommend that women who may become pregnant consume 400 micrograms of #folicacid prior to and at least 28 days after conception. However, this is before most women know they are pregnant. Selling folic acid fortified corn masa products is a simple, effective way to ensure that mothers get the nutrients they need, reduce disparities, and strengthen the health of your community. 💪 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eYvZizGi #MejorConÁcidoFólico #HispanicHeritageMonth #HispanicHeritage #MesDeLaHerenciaHispana #HispanaHerencia PC: Sara Dubler