Fortification Quality Is High for Packaged and Branded Edible Oil but Low for Oil Sold in Unbranded, Loose Form : Findings from a Market Assessment in Bangladesh (P24-047-19).

Abstract

Objectives\nMandatory fortification of oil with vitamin A has been identified as a key strategy to address prevalent micronutrient deficiency in the Bangladesh population. However, the effectiveness of fortification can be compromised by sub optimal compliance to standards. This study assessed (1) the availability of oil brands across the 8 divisions of Bangladesh and (2) fortification quality (extent to which levels of fortification are aligned with oil standards) of oil brands and producers.\n\n\nMethods\nBetween March and June 2017, we visited different retail outlets in markets of rural and urban market hubs in all divisions of Bangladesh to ascertain available oil brands and bulk oil types. 12 oil samples were collected from different batches of the main packaged oil brands and each unpackaged oil type sold in bulk/loose by division. Composite samples were prepared by bulk oil type per division or by brand and the average vitamin A content was quantified using High Performance Liquid Chromatography and compared to the national oil fortification standards.\n\n\nResults\nWe identified 3 oil types (palm, soybean, super palm oil) sold in bulk and 97 packaged brands available in Bangladesh.Dhaka had the largest variety of available brands (46), and Khulna and Rangpur divisions the lowest (19). Fortified oil was available in all divisions of Bangladesh. Of the 66 packaged brands analysed, 40 brands were fortified (61%) and 28 of these above the standard minimum. Of the 41 bulk oil composite samples, 59% were not fortified, 34% were fortified below and only 7% above the standard vitamin A minimum.\n\n\nConclusions\nWhile fortified oil was available in all divisions and most of the packaged oil in Bangladesh was fortified, this study revealed important differences in fortification quality between packaged/branded and unpackaged/bulk oil. Of concern, unbranded loose oil is likely predominantly purchased by low-income consumers, due to the lower price and ability to purchase in small quantities. In addition to the poor performance outcomes observed in bulk oil, the lack of a labelling system and therefore traceability means that there is no way to guarantee that the oil is authentic, of good quality and safe. Regulatory inspections of producers selling bulk oil should be prioritized to support them to make all oil traceable and fortified according to standard.\n\n\nFunding Sources\nGovernment of the Netherlands.