ATNi flags accountability gaps in first global premix supplier assessment

NETHERLANDS – The Access to Nutrition initiative (ATNi) has raised concerns over limited accountability and transparency in the global fortification supply chain, following the publication of its first VitaMin Premix Supplier Assessment.

The report, released on September 30, reviews the practices of 11 of the world’s largest fortificant producers, companies that supply micronutrients and premixes used to fortify staple foods.

While fortification is recognised as a proven way to tackle micronutrient deficiencies, ATNi said compliance remains low in many of the 143 countries with fortification standards, largely because of inconsistent access to quality premixes and insufficient technical know-how among food producers.

“Premix suppliers play a critical role that goes beyond delivering essential micronutrients they have a key opportunity to strengthen fortification practices across the entire supply chain,” said Nadine Nasser, Research Lead for the VitaMin study.

“To maximize their impact, the fortification sector must align and clearly define the expected and potential performance of premix suppliers,”he added.

Mixed performance
The assessment found wide variation among companies. Only dsm-firmenich and Hexagon were identified as having embedded measurable nutrition commitments into their core strategies.

Seven companies offered some form of technical assistance, such as innovation, capacity building, or testing, but none had a structured framework with measurable objectives.

On distribution, four companies, including BASF and Zhejiang NHU, were found to provide handling and storage guidelines, though these were not tied to formal agreements.

In addition, five companies extended fortification support beyond direct customers, with dsm-firmenich and Hexagon singled out for offering structured programmes. Broader efforts such as subsidising premixes, donating equipment, or supporting regulation were also reported but often lacked detail on scope and impact.

Workforce nutrition was another area where performance was uneven. BASF, dsm-firmenich, Glanbia, Hexagon and SternVitamin/Mühlenchemie disclosed at least one initiative covering areas such as healthy food at work or breastfeeding support.

BASF and dsm-firmenich went further by offering parental leave beyond legal requirements in some countries. However, ATNi noted that most companies failed to demonstrate whether these initiatives were applied consistently across operations.

Call to action
ATNi has urged premix producers to strengthen fortification practices by safeguarding quality across the value chain, forming structured partnerships, setting measurable nutrition goals, and increasing disclosure.

Governments were also called on to remove tariffs on fortificants, provide subsidies for equipment and premixes, and integrate fortification monitoring into existing food safety systems.

“Governments play a critical role in setting clear, evidence-based, and context-specific standards for food fortification. Fiscal measures, such as reducing or removing taxes on fortificants, can further unlock access to essential nutrients at scale,” said Katherine Pittore, ATNi’s Head of Policy & Communications.

Investors were encouraged to channel funding toward companies demonstrating leadership in quality, transparency and nutrition impact.

Industry implications
For the milling and cereals sector, the findings highlight the importance of closer collaboration with premix suppliers to ensure fortified products meet regulatory requirements and deliver measurable health benefits.

With many countries stepping up large-scale fortification programmes, ATNi’s report suggests that the performance of upstream suppliers could determine the overall success of public health goals.

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