Guidelines on Large-Scale Food Fortification Indicators and Use
Photo: © S. Mojumder/Drik/CIMMYT
Unlocking the Power of Data for Large-Scale Food Fortification
Large-scale food fortification (LSFF) is a proven strategy to reduce micronutrient deficiencies. Turning LSFF from an efficacious intervention into an effective, scalable program requires coordinated, high-quality data from multiple sectors, and clear guidance on which indicators matter most, how to define them, and how to use them.
The Guidelines on LSFF Indicators and Use will provide standardized indicators and practical guidance to help countries and partners make more timely, better decisions about fortification programs.
What is the purpose of the guidelines?
This standalone resource fills a critical gap in the global LSFF data ecosystem: the lack of detailed, harmonized, fit-for-purpose indicator guidance spanning the full LSFF program pathway. Building on existing tools, it will go further by offering a comprehensive, prioritized set of indicators and practical recommendations for their use.
The guidance will include:
- A conceptual framework for LSFF indicators.
- A prioritized indicator list with detailed information on each indicator, including well defined numerators and denominators, data collection considerations, and the intended use.
- Practical guidance on use cases, explaining how each indicator can be used along the LSFF program impact pathway.
How are the guidelines being developed?
Development is grounded in evidence, consultation, and consensus-building through the following processes:
- A data landscaping activity across 13 African countries mapped existing LSFF indicators, data collection tools, and gaps, and was presented at the Africa Regional Dialogue on Data for Action in Food Fortification (October 2025). Stakeholders at this meeting expressed strong demand for standardized indicators and clear guidance on using LSFF data for decision-making.
- A dedicated working group of LSFF domain experts is guiding indicator prioritization, refining definitions, and incorporating inputs from key external stakeholders.
- Broad stakeholder engagement through platforms such as the Global Fortification Technical Advisory Group (GF-TAG), the WHO Food Systems Communities of Practice, the Micronutrient Data Innovation Alliance (DInA), the Global Fortification Data Exchange (GFDx) listserv, and others, will be used to solicit feedback. Through this process, a core set of priority indicators will be identified, and consensus on their definitions and intended use will be finalized.
How can you get involved?
If you or your organization are interested in contributing to the development or review of the LSFF indicator guidance, you can:
- Engage through existing platforms, such as GF-TAG, the WHO Food Systems Communities of Practice (food fortification group), or GFDx.
- Become a DInA member
- Express interest in learning more about this work by reaching out directly to DInA at s[email protected].
