This study assessed the analytical capability and readiness of selected laboratories to analyse fortified food. Samples of salt, edible oil, maize meal, and wheat flour were spiked with known levels of iodine, vitamin A and iron as appropriate and sent to participating laboratories on three separate occasions. Each round of samples were unique and each laboratory received three different levels and blind replicates. During the investigation, the objectives moved towards noting areas worthy of investigation away from focusing on quantification unless that quantification was evident.
This study set out to quantify measurement uncertainty in analysis of typical indicators used in food fortification monitoring such as iodine in salt, vitamin A in edible oils and, in some country’s cereals and sugar, plus iron in cereals. It was intended to also look to see if this uncertainty could be quantified by methodology and/or vehicle.