Asian Wheat Flour Products:

Impact of flour fortification on

organoleptic properties
March 2011
Authors (in alphabetical order):
Dorothy Foote
Consultant to FFI
USA

Suwaibah Ghaffar
Noodle Technologist, Interflour-UiTM R&D and Commercialisation Center
Malaysia

Jaanaki Gooneratne, PhD

Head, Food Technology Section, Industrial Technology Institute
Sri Lanka

Huo Junsheng, PhD

Professor, Institute of Nutrition and Food Safety, Chinese Center for Disease Control and
Prevention
China

Vikram Kelkar
Director – International Business, Hexagon Nutrition
India

Herni Sutanto
Product Development & Quality Control Mgr,
PT. Indofood Sukses Makmur – Bogasari Flour Mills
Indonesia

Peter Tenido
Pilmico Foods
Philippines

Reviewers/Contributors:
Karen Codling,
Executive Director, East Asia Secretariat for FFI

Dr. Subrata Dutta, PhD

Coordinator, India Flour Fortification Network

Quentin Johnson,
FFI Training & Technical Support Group Coordinator

Annoek van den Wijngaart,

Deputy Executive Director, East Asia Secretariat for FFI

1
Executive Summary
In 2009 the World Health Organization (WHO) and partner organizations, including industry
experts, published technical guidelines on the fortification of industrially milled wheat and
maize flours with iron, zinc, folic acid, vitamin B12, and vitamin A.

The Flour Fortification Initiative (FFI) is a network of partners working together to make flour
fortification standard milling practice so that people worldwide get the nutrition needed to be
smarter, stronger and healthier. FFI builds alliances between governments and international
agencies, wheat and flour industries, and consumer and civic organizations.

FFI has convened a series of meetings and workshops in Asia to review the content and
implications of the 2009 WHO recommendations, and to consider how best to apply them in
the national health, industrial, and political environments.

Between August and October 2009, at the request of FFI, researchers in China, India, Indonesia,
Malaysia, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka conducted a series of studies to test whether flour
fortified per the WHO recommendations could be successfully used to produce foods
commonly consumed in Asian countries. Participating research institutions made fortified
flour as per the WHO recommendations, and they used this flour to make a range of commonly
eaten Asian wheat flour products, including fifteen different kinds of noodles and breads. All of
the fortification premixes included iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12, and some premixes also
included vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, and zinc, depending on country norms. Tests were
run to assess impact on processing factors, sensory and physical attributes and, where feasible,
retention of the nutrients.

The results of the studies are summarized in this report by food product. For each food
product, the available data is presented for color, texture, nutrient retention, sensory
evaluation, and (for noodles) noodle crumb and sheet structure, water absorption and cook
yield.

Generally speaking, the effect of fortification on various types of noodles was only with regard
to color: grayish specks on the dough sheet, and slightly less bright or yellow noodles, were
considered minor and acceptable differences in all cases. The texture, noodle crumb and sheet
structure, water absorption and cook yield, and sensory evaluations (including taste, flavor,
and mouthfeel) of fortified noodles were similar to control noodles and acceptable in all cases.

Also generally speaking, the effect of fortification on bread products was only with regard to
color: grayish-brown spots were visible in some bread products or the bread was “less bright.”
Again, these differences were generally reported as “not significant” and acceptable. Other
aspects of breads, including texture, taste, aroma, chewiness, etc., were considered similar
between fortified and control breads, and the fortified breads ranked as acceptable or highly
acceptable.

The most significant constraint of these studies was the lack of comparability of the nutrient
retention data. Several factors contributed to this, including variation in study design,
laboratory methods and equipment across the six countries, and the wide variation that is
inherent in food testing.

2
Despite the constraints, and based on the information presented in this summary report, it is
reasonable to conclude that:

1. The processing and organoleptic differences between fortified and non-fortified

products were minimal, and were considered acceptable in all cases.

2. There are practically no significant differences reported between various iron

compounds in these fortified products, with regard to processing and sensory
characteristics. Researchers did not conclude any differences between electrolytic iron
and NaFeEDTA, ferrous sulphate, or ferrous fumarate with regard to the major
parameters, and all minor differences were considered acceptable.

3. The overall acceptability of fortified products is equal to that of unfortified products;

4. Micronutrients appear to be retained throughout the food preparation process; and

5. It appears possible to fortify common Asian wheat flour products as per the 2009 WHO
recommendations.

3
TABLE OF CONTENTS

BACKGROUND 5

OBJECTIVES 6

METHODOLOGY 7

RESULTS 9

1. WET NOODLES (CHINA, INDONESIA, MALAYSIA, SRI LANKA, PHILIPPINES) 10

2. INSTANT NOODLES (MALAYSIA, PHILIPPINES) 14
3. STEAMED BREAD (CHINA, INDONESIA, PHILIPPINES) 17
4. PAN/SANDWICH BREAD (INDONESIA, MALAYSIA, PHILIPPINES, SRI LANKA) 19
5. SOFT ROLLS (PHILIPPINES) 22
6. HARD CRUST ROLLS/BAGUETTE (PHILIPPINES) 23
7. MARTABAK (INDONESIA) 23
8. ROTI CANAI (MALAYSIA, SRI LANKA) 24
9. CHAPATTI (INDIA) 25
10. PURI (INDIA) 27
11. PITTU (SRI LANKA) 28
12. GODAMBA ROTI (SRI LANKA) 29
13. STRING HOPPERS (SRI LANKA) 30

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS 31

APPENDIX 1: WHO 2009 RECOMMENDATION 34

APPENDIX 2: TEST PARAMETERS AND METHODOLOGY 37

4
Background
In 2009 the World Health Organization (WHO) and partner organizations, including industry
experts, published technical guidelines on the fortification of industrially milled wheat and
maize flours with iron, zinc, folic acid, vitamin B12, and vitamin A1 (Appendix 1).

The guidelines were formulated based on global evidence on minimum levels of fortification
needed to achieve a public health improvement, are presented for common ranges of flour
consumption, and are intended for flours milled in industrial roller mills (i.e. >20 metric tons/day
milling capacity.)2 Table 1 summarizes the average level of nutrients that WHO now recommends
considering adding to fortified wheat flour.
Table 1. Average levels of nutrients to consider adding to fortified wheat flour based on extraction,
fortificant compound, and estimated per capita flour availability.

1 WHO, FAO, UNICEF, GAIN, MI, and FFI.Recommendations on wheat and maize flour fortification. Meeting Report: Interim Consensus Statement.
Geneva, World Health Organization, 2009 (http://www.who.int/nutrition/publications/micronutrients/wheat_maize_fort.pdf).
2 http://www.foodandnutritionbulletin.org/downloads/FNB_v31n1_suppl_web.pdf

5
The Flour Fortification Initiative (FFI) is a network of partners working together to make flour
fortification standard milling practice so that people worldwide get the nutrition needed to be
smarter, stronger and healthier. FFI builds alliances between governments and international
agencies, wheat and flour industries, and consumer and civic organizations. FFI’s strategy is to
stimulate interaction among the partners so that together we can achieve results that none of
us could achieve independently. The goal of FFI is for 80% of the world's roller miller flour to
be fortified with at least iron or folic acid by 2015.

As of June 2010, sixty countries worldwide have legislation or decrees that mandate
fortification of one or more types of flour with either iron or folic acid. The fortified flour
produced in these countries, plus the flour that is fortified voluntarily, represents 30% of the
world’s wheat flour that is produced in large roller mills. In South and East Asia, two countries
(Indonesia and the Philippines) currently have legislation for mandatory wheat flour
fortification. Others- including India, China, Nepal, Mongolia, Bangladesh, Thailand, Vietnam,
and Cambodia- have legislation for voluntary fortification. Other countries in the region are
considering mandatory or voluntary fortification.

FFI has convened a series of meetings and workshops in Asia to review the content and
implications of the 2009 WHO recommendations, and to consider how best to apply them in
the national health, industrial, and political environments.

Between August and October 2009, researchers in China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the
Philippines, and Sri Lanka conducted a series of studies to test whether the 2009 WHO
recommendations could be successfully used to produce foods commonly consumed in Asian
countries. These studies were coordinated by FFI in collaboration with national teams.
Participating research institutions made fortified flour as per the WHO recommendations, and
they used this flour to make a range of commonly eaten Asian wheat flour products. Tests
were run to assess impact on processing factors, sensory and physical attributes and, where
feasible, retention of the nutrients.

This report summarizes the results of those research studies, and discusses the implications of
the 2009 WHO recommendations for selected common flour-based Asian foods.

Objectives
While there is considerable global experience in making Western foods with fortified flour,
there is less experience with foods that are particular to Asia.
The overall objective of the research studies was therefore to assess whether flour fortified as
per the 2009 WHO recommendations could be used to make flour-based products commonly
consumed in Asia. Specifically, researchers aimed to:
1. Examine the effects of fortified flour on processing and food technology, particularly
with regard to local recipes and processes for production;
2. Evaluate the sensory and physical attributes of the fortified flours and food products;
3. Evaluate the retention of nutrients in the final (cooked, ready to eat) food products.

6
Methodology
The FFI Secretariat coordinated and facilitated tests of Asian food products in six countries, to
assess whether flour fortified as per the 2009 WHO recommendations could be used to make
flour-based products commonly consumed in those countries, with no negative effect on
processing and food technology, nor on sensory or physical attributes. The six countries and
respective research agencies are listed in Table 2.
Table 2. Principal Investigators for testing of fortified flours.
Country Principal Investigator Researchers were asked to
compare food products made
China Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention with flour fortified as per the
2009 WHO recommendations,
India Hexagon Nutrition (P) Ltd.
and unfortified flour (or flour
Indonesia Indofood Sukses Makmur/Bogasari Flour Mills fortified to current national
voluntary or mandatory
Malaysia Interflour UiTM R&D and Commercialisation Center standards) with regard to as
many of the following
Sri Lanka Industrial Technology Institute parameters they were able to
Philippines Pilmico Foods Corporation
test: colour, texture, fortificant
level (before and after
preparation of the food),
noodle crumb and sheet structure during processing (for noodles), water absorption, cook yield,
sensory evaluation, and micronutrient content, especially folic acid and vitamin A, in the finished
product. Appendix 2 summarizes the various parameters tested and methods employed.
In China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, and Sri Lanka, the fortificant premixes were produced
by Muhlenchemie GmBH & Co. KG. In India, the fortificant premixes were produced by Hexagon
Nutrition (P) Ltd. Both premix companies kindly donated the premix for use in this study.
Table 3. Nutrients from the tested premixes, and estimated flour consumption.
Philippines 1

Philippines 2
Indonesia 1

Indonesia 2
Source ,ppm

Sri Lanka 1

Sri Lanka 2

Sri Lanka 3
Malaysia 1

Malaysia 2
Compound

China 1

China 2

China 3
India 3
India 1

India 2

Iron NaFeEDTA 40 40 40 20 40 20
Ferrous fumarate 60 60 60 70 30
Ferrous sulphate 30 120
Electrolytic iron 60 60
Folic acid Folic acid 2.6 2.6 5 1.3 2.6 1.3
Vitamin Cyanocobalamin 0.02 0.02 0.04 0.01 0.02 0.01
B12
Vitamin A Vitamin A 5.9 3.0
palmitate
Zinc Zinc oxide 55 55 55 40
Thiamin B1 4.2 4.2 3.0 3.0
Riboflavin B2 6.7 4.0 3.0 3.0
Estimated consumption of flour 75-150 75-150 <75 150-300 75-150 150-300
(g/person/day)

7
Table 3 compares the nutrient content (ppm) of the fortified flours attributable to the
premixes, and the estimated per capita flour consumption (grams/day) in the respective
countries. The nutrient content of the various premixes took into consideration the estimated
flour consumption in the participating countries, the 2009 WHO recommendations, existing
standards in the countries, and potential standards. All premixes included iron, folic acid, and
vitamin B12, and some premixes also included vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, and zinc.
Overall, the studies aimed to test the impact of the most comprehensive premix that the
country might use if the WHO recommendations were adopted.

For example, vitamin A was included in the premix tested in China and the Philippines. In
China it was included because there is evidence of vitamin A deficiency in the population but
no vitamin A supplementation policies. In the Philippines it was included because it is already
part of the mandatory fortification standard. Ferrous fumarate and ferrous sulphate levels in
the premix used in China are higher than the WHO recommendations but are in line with
current voluntary standards. Zinc was not included in the premix for the Philippines and India
as neither country is considering the inclusion of zinc. India and Sri Lanka tested a premix
using NaFeEDTA as the source of iron, because both countries have high consumption of high
extraction flour in some communities. Although the WHO recommendations do not include
specifications for vitamins B1 and B2, existing standards in several of the countries include
these vitamins. Hence B1 and B2 were included in the premix at levels currently used for
Malaysia, India, China and Sri Lanka.

Table 4 shows which foods were tested in which countries.

Table 4. Foods tested.

Foods Countries
China India Indonesia Malaysia Sri Lanka Philippines
Wet noodles X X X X X
Dry noodles X
Instant noodles X X
Steamed bread X X X
Pan/Sandwich bread X X X X
Soft rolls X
Hard crust X
rolls/baguettes
Martabak X
Roti (canai) X X
Chapatti X
Puri X
Pittu X
Godamba roti X
String hoppers X

8
All noodles were made with flour and water, and in some cases, salt and sodium carbonate
were also added. Breads and other foods (e.g. chapatti, puri, pittu, godamba roti, and string
hoppers) were made with flour, water, and other ingredients (yeast, sugar, salt, egg, oil, skim
milk powder, shortening, shredded coconut, etc.) as per the local recipes.

Results
This section describes, for each food product, the impact of the fortified flour with regard to (as
applicable and available): color, texture, fortificant level (before and after preparation, i.e.
retention data), noodle crumb and sheet structure, water absorption, cook yield, and sensory
evaluation. Table 5 summarizes the impact of fortification on the processing and sensory
characteristics of the foods. Following Table 5, each food product is discussed in detail,
including the results of the retention studies.
Table 5: Summary of Results.

Foods Impact of fortification of characteristics of foods

1 Wet Noodles NaFeEDTA slightly darker (China, Indonesia, Philippines), but acceptable.
NaFeEDTA slightly harder texture (China, Philippines), but acceptable.
No other differences in processing, water absorption, cook yield, taste or aroma.
2 Instant Noodles Fortified noodles slightly less bright, but acceptable in color (Malaysia). NaFeEDTA
noodles slightly darker in color (Philippines), but acceptable. NaFeEDTA and ferrous
fumarate dough sheet structure showed fine gray spots (Philippines).
No unacceptable differences in texture or other sensory characteristics (overall noodle
quality the same).
3 Steamed Bread NaFeEDTA slightly darker, but acceptable, buns (China, Indonesia, and Philippines).
No unacceptable differences in texture, taste, mouth feel, or aroma.
4 Pan/Sandwich Pan bread with NaFeEDTA in Indonesia, and all fortified flours in Malaysia and Sri Lanka, was
Bread slightly darker, but the change was acceptable. Dough had grayish brown spots visible
(Philippines), but otherwise normal.
No differences in texture, taste, and aroma; all were considered highly acceptable (Sri
Lanka). No differences in moistness, softness, or grain evenness (Malaysia). Both fortified
breads similar and acceptable in grain and texture (Philippines).
5 Soft Rolls Dough normal but with grayish-brown spots (Philippines); acceptable finished product.
6 Hard Crust Baguette Dough normal but with grayish-brown spots (Philippines); acceptable finished product.
7 Martabak NaFeEDTA martabak was slightly darker; no differences in texture, taste, or aroma (Indonesia).
8 Roti (canai) No differences in color, texture, taste, or overall acceptability (Malaysia and Sri Lanka).
9 Chapatti NaFeEDTA fortified chapatti was the overall preferred (India).
10 Puri Fortified puris were slightly darker, more dense, and absorbed less oil in cooking than
control flour puri. Fortified puris were preferred in taste and chewability over the control
(India).
11 Pittu Minor differences in texture, taste, and flavor; all fortified pittu were considered
acceptable (Sri Lanka).
12 Godamba roti Fortified and non-fortified roti were well and equally accepted in terms of color,
texture, flavor, taste, and overall acceptability (Sri Lanka).
13 String hoppers Minor differences in color; all fortified string hoppers were considered acceptable (Sri Lanka).

9
1. Wet noodles (China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Philippines)
a. Color. In China, flours 1 (NaFeEDTA) and 2 (ferrous sulphate) resulted in “less
color compared to the control; the researchers concluded that these differences
white” wet noodles whereas flour 3 (ferrous fumarate) caused a “slight yellow”
were overall acceptable. In Indonesia, flour 1 (NaFeEDTA) resulted in a slightly
darker color, but flour 2 (ferrous fumarate) gave a similar color to the control;
both fortified flour noodles had a similar speckledness to the control; flour 2 was
therefore recommended. In Sri Lanka, all three fortified flours (NaFeEDTA,
ferrous fumarate, and electrolytic iron) produced noodles that had an equally
good or better color than the control. In Malaysia, researchers measured the
color of the dough sheets of all three flours- control, fortified flours 1
(NaFeEDTA) and 2 (ferrous fumarate)- at 0 hours (fresh), after 24 hours storage
at room temperature, and after 1 minute par-boiling. No unacceptable color
differences (black/white, red/green, or blue/yellow) were observed between the
three dough sheets at any of the three times of measurement. In the Philippines,
fine grayish-brown spots were observed on the dough sheet of noodles made
with fortified flours 1 (NaFeEDTA) and 2 (ferrous fumarate); in comparing the
two flours, the crumb color of flour 1 was “slightly darker in color”, and flour 2
resulted in “brighter noodle strands”, but both were acceptable.
Figure 1. Control and fortified wet noodles in Indonesia.

C: Control (*Cakra Kembar – unfortified)

A: Cakra Kembar + 600ppm ELCOvit 29439
B: Cakra Kembar + 400ppm ELCOvit 29440
*Name brand for noodle application

b. Texture. In China, flours 1 (NaFeEDTA) and 2 (ferrous sulphate) resulted in

noodles of a harder, but acceptable texture, while flour 3 (ferrous fumarate) and
control noodles had a “normal” texture. In Indonesia, both fortified flours
(NaFeEDTA and ferrous fumarate) resulted in a noodle texture (chewiness and
hardness) which was similar to that of the noodles from control flour. In
Malaysia, the texture of noodles made from the control, and fortified flours 1
(NaFeEDTA) and 2 (ferrous fumarate) was similar and acceptable. Texture
Analyzer scores were 1817.7, 1788.0, and 1776.5 respectively. In the
Philippines, flour 1 (NaFeEDTA) resulted in a firmer noodle strand than flour 2
(ferrous fumarate). In Sri Lanka, all three fortified flours (NaFeEDTA, ferrous
fumarate, and electrolytic iron) produced noodles that had an equally good or
better texture than the control.

10
Figure 2. Control and Fortified Yellow Alkaline Noodles in Malaysia.

c. Retention of nutrients. In China,

researchers are currently
verifying results of the initial
retention studies, and this will
soon be presented in Table 6.
Indonesian researchers analyzed
iron and folic acid (Table 7). The
analysis of nutrients in the
Malaysian noodles is shown in
Table 8. In the Philippines, fresh
noodles were analyzed for
retention of folic acid, iron, and
vitamin A, as shown in Table 9.
Sri Lankan researchers estimated
the iron content of three fortified
noodles, and the losses during
processing (Table 10).

Table 6. Nutrient content of noodles in China, Loss Rates (LR) in %.

Flour Noodles (per 100g flour equivalent)

Expected dosage from
fortificant (ppm)

Flour 1 NaFeEDTA

sulphate 120ppm

fumarate 70ppm
Flour 2 ferrous

Flour 3 ferrous
Control

Control
40ppm

Flour 1

Flour 2

Flour 3
LR%

LR%

LR%

LR%

Vit A 3.0 ppm -- 2.92 2.91 2.91 -- -- 1.63 44.1 1.18 59.3 1.60 45

Vit B1 3.0 ppm 1.15 4.54 4.58 3.86 .256 77.7 1.71 57.1 1.70 58.0 1.73 45.7

Vit B2 3.0 ppm .464 - 1.26 68.9 1.36 67.8 1.54 56.6
.30 2.87 3.08 2.77
54.7*

Vit B12 0.02 .0006 14.3 .0134 53.5 .0163 30.3 .014 59.9
.0007 .0282 .0232 .0350
ppm 4

Iron See 9.6 46.7 40.0 7.88 80.0 13.1 56.0 7.2
column 18.0 51.0 99.0 68.0
headings

Zinc 55 ppm 8.0 52.0 52.0 52.0 4.8 40.0 43.2 12.7 46.4 5.45 41.6 16.4

Note: *Losses are to be expected; therefore some errors in sampling, analysis and calculations may have occurred.

11
Table 7. Iron and folic acid content of Indonesian noodles.

Expected Noodles from Noodles from Noodles from

dosage unfortified flour fortified flour A fortified flour B
from (Control) (NaFeEDTA, 40ppm) (ferrous fumarate,
fortification 60ppm)
(ppm)

Iron See column 3.82 23.99 35.35

(mg/kg) headings
Folic Acid 2.6ppm Not detected* 0.88 Not detected
(mg/kg)
* Limit of detection was 0.06mg/kg.

Table 8. Nutrient content of wheat flour, noodles from unfortified flour, and noodles from fortified flours
1 and 2 in Malaysia.
Unfortified Noodles Noodles from Noodles from
dosage from

wheat flour from fortified flour 1 fortified flour 2

fortification

unfortified (NaFeEDTA, (ferrous

Expected

flour 40ppm) fumarate,

ppm

(Control) 60ppm)

Iron (mg/kg) See 6 5 23 51

column
headings
Zinc (mg/kg) 55 3 3 26 35

Vitamin B1 4.2 <2.5 <2.5 <2.5 <2.5

(mg/kg)

Vitamin B2 6.7 <2.5 <2.5 <2.5 <2.5

(mg/kg)

Vitamin B12 0.02 0.002 0.02 0.0105 0.0130

(µg/g)

Folic acid 2.6 0.185 0.134 0.279 0.287

(µg/g)

Table 9. Nutrient content of fresh noodles in the Philippines.

Expected dosage Noodles from Noodles from fortified
from fortification fortified flour 1 flour 2
(ppm) (NaFeEDTA 40ppm) (ferrous fumarate 60ppm)
Folic Acid (ppm) 5.0 2.7 2.6

Iron (ppm) See column 30.7 43.4

headings
Vitamin A (ppm) 5.9 2.3 2.3

12
Table 10. Iron content of fortified cooked noodles in Sri Lanka.

Expected Iron in Iron in product

dosage from flour-(on (after %Loss in
Cooked Noodles fortification dry basis) processing) - (on added Fe3
(ppm) (ppm) ±SD dry basis) (ppm) ±SD (on dry basis)
Control (correction n/a
factor) 7.86 0.27 8.33 0.27 n/a
20ppm
Flour 1 (NaFeEDTA) 27.37 0.30 19.39 0.33 29.15
Flour 2 30ppm
(Ferrous fumarate) 34.73 0.95 27.16 0.22 21.80
Flour 3 60ppm
(Electrolytic iron) 64.87 4.21 65.3 1.05 5.73

d. Noodle crumb and sheet structure. In Indonesia, flour 1 (NaFeEDTA) and flour
2 (ferrous fumarate) had a uniform crumb that was not significantly different
from that of the control. The noodle sheet color after 24 hours storage in room
temperature was not significantly different between the fortified flours and the
control in terms of brightness and yellowness, and noodle elasticity was also
similar in all three flours. In Malaysia, the unfortified control flour and both
fortified flours (NaFeEDTA and ferrous fumarate) resulted in noodles of a similar
crumb, which the researchers described as slightly yellow, moderately bright,
and crumbly for all three samples. The dough sheet for all three samples was
described as moderately tough texture and streaky appearance. In the
Philippines, fortified flour 1 (NaFeEDTA) resulted in a fine and uniform crumb
structure, whereas flour 2 (ferrous fumarate) gave a slightly bigger crumb
structure; both fortified flours resulted in fine grayish-brown spots on the dough
sheet structure.

e. Water absorption. In China, there were no significant differences between the

fortified flours and the controls with respect to moisture and water absorption.
Moisture was 13.8%, 13.5%, 13.6%, and 13.8% and water absorption was
60.8%. 61.7%, 61.9%, and 61.3% for the control, and flours 1 (NaFeEDTA), 2
(ferrous sulphate), and 3 (ferrous fumarate) respectively. In Indonesia, the
water absorption of wet noodles per 100g for 1 minute boiling in 100ml water
was 54.2% for flour 1 (NaFEDTA), and 52.4% for flour 2 (ferrous fumarate);
these values were slightly (but not significantly) higher than that of the control
flour (49.0%). In Malaysia, there were no significant differences in terms of
water absorption (%) of noodles produced using fortified flours 1 (NaFeEDTA)
and 2 (ferrous fumarate) compared to the control. In the Philippines, water
uptake of the noodles made with fortified flours 1 (NaFeEDTA) and 2 (ferrous
fumarate) was similar to that of unfortified noodles.

f. Cook yield. In Indonesia, the cook yield of flour 1 (NaFeEDTA) was 154.2%, flour
2 (ferrous fumarate) was 152.4% and the control flour was 149.0% (no

3 Sri Lankan researchers calculated % Loss during processing with the formula:%Loss in added Fe = [((Total Fe in fortified
flour – Fe in control flour)- (Total Fe in fortified product – total Fe in control product)) x 100] / (Total Fe in fortified flour – Fe
in control flour)

13
 significant differences). The measurement compared the weight of 100g
uncooked noodles to the weight of the same noodles after 1 minute boiling. In
Malaysia, there were no significant differences in terms of cook yield of noodles
produced using fortified flours 1 (NaFeEDTA) and 2 (ferrous fumarate)
compared to the control. In the Philippines, the cooked yield of fresh noodles
was 498.55 grams and 500.5 grams for fortified flours 1 (NaFeEDTA) and 2
(ferrous fumarate) respectively, a yield that is comparable to unfortified noodles.

g. Sensory evaluation. In China, flours 1 (NaFeEDTA) and 2 (ferrous sulphate)

resulted noodles with a more bitter, but acceptable taste, while no taste
differences were detected between noodles made from flour 3 (ferrous
fumarate) and the control flour. In Indonesia, noodles from flour 1 (NaFeEDTA)
and flour 2 (ferrous fumarate) had the same mouthfeel compared to noodles
from the control flour. In Malaysia, the sensory characteristics of noodles-
including yellowness, overall surface appearance, firmness, elasticity,
smoothness, overall texture, alkaline flavour, and overall quality- were judged by
a 10-member trained panel to be of similar quality for the control and both
fortified flours (NaFeEDTA and ferrous fumarate). In Sri Lanka, all three fortified
flours (NaFeEDTA, ferrous fumarate, and electrolytic iron) produced noodles
that had an equally good or better flavour and taste than the control.

2. Instant noodles (Malaysia, Philippines)

a. Color. In Malaysia, researchers measured the color of the dough sheets of all three
flours- control, fortified flours 1 (NaFeEDTA) and 2 (ferrous fumarate) - at 0 hours
(fresh), and after 24 hours
Figure 3. Instant noodles (Control and Fortified) in storage at room temperature.
Malaysia.
The color of the three (dry)
instant noodle blocks was
also measured. No
unacceptable color
differences (black/white,
red/green, or blue/yellow)
were observed between the
three dough sheets at any of
the three times of
measurement. The color of
the final products from all
flours was acceptable, even
though the fortified noodles
were slightly less bright than
the control noodles. In the
Philippines, fine grayish-
brown spots were noticed on
the dough sheets made from
fortified flours 1 (NaFeEDTA)
and 2 (ferrous fumarate).
Comparing the two fortified
flours, the crumb color of flour 1 was slightly darker in color, and the final product
(the cooked instant noodle from flour 1) was also darker in color.

14
 b. Texture. In Malaysia, the texture of instant noodles made from the control, and
fortified flours 1 (NaFeEDTA) and 2 (ferrous fumarate) was similar and
acceptable, as evaluated by both the Texture Analyzer and the sensory panel. In
the Philippines, there was no significant difference in the firmness of the noodle
strands from flours 1 (NaFeEDTA) and 2 (ferrous fumarate).

c. Retention of nutrients. The analysis of nutrients in the instant noodles from

Malaysia is shown in Table 11, and the nutrient analysis of instant noodles in the
Philippines is shown in Table 12.
Table 11. Nutrient content of wheat flour, instant noodles from unfortified flour, and instant noodles from
fortified flours 1 and 2 in Malaysia.
Unfortified Instant noodles Instant noodles Instant noodles
dosage from

wheat flour from unfortified from fortified from fortified flour 2

fortification

flour (Control) flour 1 (ferrous fumarate,

Expected

(NaFeEDTA, 60ppm)
ppm

40ppm)

Iron (mg/kg) See column 6 11 47 61

headings
Zinc (mg/kg) 55 3 6 44 47

Vitamin B1 4.2 <2.5 <2.5 <2.5 <2.5

(mg/kg)
Vitamin B2 6.7 <2.5 <2.5 4.3 4.7
(mg/kg)
Vitamin B12 0.02 0.002 0.33 0.016 0.0299
(µg/g)
Folic acid 2.6 0.185 0.109 0.438 0.283
(µg/g)

Table 12. Nutrient content of instant noodles in the Philippines.

Expected dosage Instant noodles from Instant noodles from fortified

from fortification fortified flour 1 flour 2 (ferrous fumarate
(ppm) (NaFeEDTA 40ppm) 60ppm)
Folic Acid (ppm) 5.0 3.6 3.4
Iron (ppm) See column 67.4* 82.7*
headings
Vitamin A (ppm) 5.9 4.1 4.1

d. Noodle crumb and sheet structure. In Malaysia, the unfortified control flour
and both fortified flours (NaFeEDTA and ferrous fumarate) resulted in instant
noodles of a similar crumb, which the researchers described as slightly yellow,
moderately bright, and crumbly for all three samples. The dough sheet for all
three samples (control, flours 1 and 2) was described as moderately tough
texture and streaky appearance. In the Philippines, fortified flour 1 (NaFeEDTA)
resulted in a fine and uniform crumb structure, whereas flour 2 (ferrous

15
 fumarate) gave a slightly bigger crumb structure; both fortified flours resulted in
fine grayish-brown spots on the dough sheet structure.

e. Sensory evaluation. In Malaysia, the sensory characteristics of the instant

noodles from all three flours- including brightness, yellowness, overall surface
appearance, firmness, elasticity, smoothness, overall texture, and overall quality-
were judged to be of similar quality by a 10-member trained panel. In the
Philippines, both fortified noodles were a similar firmness; the color of flour 1
(NaFeEDTA) noodles was slightly darker, and flour 2 (ferrous fumarate) noodle
strands were brighter.

f. Rancidity. Malaysian researchers conducted a separate experiment on the

peroxide value (PV) of instant noodles made with 5 flours (4 fortified, 1 control,
Table 13), stored for one year at ambient temperature. The objective was to
determine the effect of fortification on shelf life as measured by PV. As a point of
reference, Japanese standards call for PV <30 milliequivalent O2/kg to indicate
food safety and quality4. The results of the Malaysian experiment are Table 14.
It should be noted that the noodles used in the rancidity experiment were not the
same as the noodles used in the retention studies.
Table 13. Amount of fortificants added to achieve target.

Type of fortificant Targeted amount Amount added to flour (based on

instructions provided by the supplier)
Electrolytic iron 4.2 mg/100g 4.33 mg/100g
Folic acid 150 ug/100g 170 ug/100g
Ferrous fumarate 4.2 mg/100g 12.78 mg/100g
Ferrous sulphate 4.2 mg/100g 13.13 mg/100g
Vitamin B1 0.42 mg/100g 0.53 mg/100g
Vitamin B2 0.67 mg/100g 0.71 mg/100g

Table 14. Peroxide values of fortified instant noodles after 1 year storage.

Sample Peroxide value, mequiv O2/kg

Control (unfortified) 28.3
Electrolytic iron + folic acid 42.1
Ferrous fumarate + folic acid 31.7
Ferrous sulphate + folic acid 35.3
Ferrous fumarate + folic acid + vitamin B1 + 35.4
Vitamin B2

All samples, except for the unfortified control, exceeded the standard PV limit set for noodles in
Japan (PV <30 mequiv O2/kg), indicating that fortification seems to cause some rancidity after

4Gatoh N and S Wada (2006). The importance of peroxide value in assessing food quality and food safety. J American Oil
Chemists’ Society. 83:473-474.

16
one year of storage. The PV of the noodles fortified with ferrous fumarate and folic acid was
the lowest compared to other fortified samples. The PV was highest in the sample fortified
with electrolytic iron plus folic acid. These results suggest that wheat flour products with a
long shelf life are better fortified with ferrous fumarate, followed by ferrous sulphate and then
electrolytic iron. These results are considered indicative, with no replicates

3. Steamed bread (China, Indonesia, Philippines)

a. Color. In China, the color of the steamed bread was “lightly affected” by
fortification, but the changes were within the acceptable range. In Indonesia, the
color of buns from flour 1 (NaFeEDTA) was slightly darker than the control,
while buns from flour 2 (ferrous fumarate) were slightly brighter than the
control buns. In the Philippines, the dough from fortified flours 1 (NaFeEDTA)
and 2 (ferrous
fumarate) Figure 4. Control and Fortified Steamed Bread in Indonesia.
appeared
normal, but
grayish brown
spots were
visible. When
the buns were
steamed, flour
1 buns had a
darker crust
color and flour
2 buns had a
brighter crust
color.

b. Texture. In
China, steamed
buns from all
four flours -
fortified flours
1 (NaFeEDTA), 2 (ferrous sulphate), and 3 (ferrous fumarate), and the control
flour- were equally smooth in appearance. In Indonesia, the texture of steamed
buns from fortified flours 1 (NaFeEDTA) and 2 (ferrous fumarate) was similar to
that of the buns from the control flour. In the Philippines, steamed buns from
fortified flours 1 (NaFeEDTA) and 2 (ferrous fumarate) scored “4” (on a 5 point
scale) with regard to grain and texture.

c. Retention of nutrients. In China, researchers are currently verifying results of

the initial retention studies, and this will soon be presented in Table 15. The
analysis from Indonesia is Table 16, and the analysis from the Philippines is
shown in Table 17.

17
Table 15. Nutrient content of steamed bread in China, Loss Rates (LR) in %.

Flour Steamed bread (per 100g flour equivalent)

Expected dosage from
fortificant (ppm)

Flour 2 ferrous

Flour 3 ferrous
NaFeEDTA

fumarate
sulphate
120ppm
Control

Control
40ppm

70ppm
Flour 1

Flour 1

Flour 2

Flour 3
LR%

LR%

LR%

LR%
Vit A 3.0 ppm -- 2.92 2.91 2.91 -- -- 2.69 7.95 2.52 13.4 2.27 22.1

Vit B1 3.0 ppm 1.15 4.54 4.58 3.86 .912 20.7 3.43 25.7 3.66 19.9 3.40 8.34

Vit B2 3.0 ppm .300 2.87 3.08 2.77 .660 -120.0* 2.98 9.88 3.07 13.2 2.46 27.1

Vit B12 0.02 .0007 .0282 .0232 .0350 .0007 0 .0283 -0.4* .0228 1.87 .0230 34.9
ppm
Iron See
18.0 51.0 99.0 68.0 15.6 13.3 46.8 5.45 96.0 0.74 64.8 1.60
column
headings
Zinc 55 ppm 8.0 52.0 52.0 52.0 7.2 10.0 55.2 -6.2* 52.8 -1.5* 49.2 4.55

Note: *Losses are to be expected; therefore some errors in sampling, analysis and calculations may have occurred.

Table 16. Iron and folic acid content of Indonesian steamed bread.

Expected Steamed bread Steamed bread from Steamed bread from

dosage from from unfortified fortified flour A fortified flour B
fortification flour (Control) (NaFeEDTA, 40ppm) (ferrous fumarate,
(ppm) 60ppm

Iron See column 1.11 22.91 24.64

(mg/kg) headings
Folic acid 2.6ppm Not detected* 0.75 Not detected
(mg/kg)
* Limit of detection was 0.06mg/kg.

Table 17. Nutrient content of steamed bread in the Philippines.

Expected dosage Steamed bread from Steamed bread from

from fortification fortified flour 1 (NaFeEDTA fortified flour 2 (ferrous
(ppm) 40ppm) fumarate 60ppm)

Folic Acid (ppm) 5.0 3.3 3.0

Iron (ppm) See column headings 39.1 50.4
Vitamin A (ppm) 5.9 3.3 3.1

18
 d. Sensory evaluation. In China, researchers report that steamed buns
from fortified flours had a better structure than buns from the control
flour. The buns from all four flours- fortified flours 1 (NaFeEDTA), 2
(ferrous sulphate), and 3 (ferrous fumarate), and the control flour-
had a mildly slimy feel in the mouth. The buns from flours 2 (ferrous
sulphate) and 3 (ferrous fumarate) had an odd taste, but this
difference was considered to be within the acceptable range. In
Indonesia, the taste and aroma of buns from fortified flours 1
(NaFeEDTA) and 2 (ferrous fumarate) was similar to that of the
control buns. In the Philippines, buns from flours 1 (NaFeEDTA) and 2
(ferrous fumarate) had no unusual odor or taste; the chewiness of the
flour 1 bun was “just right”, and the flour 1 bun was “a little doughy”.

4. Pan/Sandwich bread (Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Sri Lanka)

Figure 5. Control and Fortified Pan Bread from Indonesia.
a. Color. In
Indonesia, the color
of pan bread made
with fortified flour 1
(NaFeEDTA) was
darker than the
control, while bread
made with flour 2
(ferrous fumarate)
was similar to the
control; the
differences were not
significant. In
Malaysia, the color of
sandwich breads
made from fortified
flours 1 (NaFeEDTA)
and 2 (ferrous
fumarate) were
different from the
control flour bread,
as measured by
chromameter
(black/white,
red/green, and
yellow/blue
spectra). A trained
descriptive sensory
panel judged the two
fortified breads to
C: Control (*Cakra Kembar – unfortified)
be slightly “less
A: Cakra Kembar + 600ppm ELCOvit 29439
B: Cakra Kembar + 400ppm ELCOvit 2944019
*Name brand for premium bread
bright” than the control bread. In the Philippines, sandwich bread
dough made from fortified flours 1 (NaFeEDTA) and 2 (ferrous
fumarate)
were Figure 6. Control and Fortified Sandwich Bread from Malaysia.
normal but
with
grayish-
brown
spots
visible.
The bread
baked with
flour 1 had
a slightly
darker
crust, but
the crust
color of the
bread from
flour 2 was just right. In Sri Lanka, the crust and crumb color of
breads made from fortified flours 1 (NaFeEDTA),
2 (ferrous fumarate), and 3 (electrolytic iron) were all significantly
different from the crust and crumb color of the control bread, as
measured by a chromameter. However, the 12 trained panelists found
all four breads to be similar and highly acceptable (rated as “like very
much”).

b. Texture. In Indonesia, the texture of breads made with fortified

flours 1 (NaFeEDTA) and 2 (ferrous fumarate) was similar to the
control. In Malaysia, sandwich breads baked with control flour and
fortified flours 1 (NaFeEDTA) and 2 (ferrous fumarate) measured
213.84g, 204.51g, and 237.02g (to achieve 25% compression),
respectively. All three breads were judged by the sensory panel to
have similar moistness, softness, and grain evenness. In Philippines,
breads from both fortified flours (NaFeEDTA and ferrous fumarate)
scored “4” (on a 5 point scale) with regard to grain and texture. In Sri
Lanka, the texture of breads from fortified flours 1 (NaFeEDTA), 2
(ferrous fumarate), 3 (electrolytic iron), and the control flour were
found to be similar and highly acceptable.

c. Retention of nutrients. Table 18 shows the iron content of pan

bread in Indonesia. Table 19 shows the analysis of nutrients in the
sandwich breads from Malaysia. The nutrient content of sandwich
bread in the Philippines is shown in Table 20. In Sri Lanka,
researchers estimated the losses of iron due to baking (Table 21).

20
Table 18. Iron and folic acid content of Indonesian pan bread.

Expected dosage Pan bread from Pan bread from Pan bread from
from fortification unfortified flour fortified flour A fortified flour B
(ppm) (Control) (NaFeEDTA, 40ppm) (ferrous fumarate,
60ppm)

Iron See column 7.03 35.87 44.98

(mg/kg) headings

Folic acid 2.6ppm Not detected* Not detected Not detected

(mg/kg)

* Limit of detection was 0.06mg/kg.

Table 19. Nutrient content of wheat flour, unfortified sandwich bread, and fortified sandwich
bread from flours 1 and 2 in Malaysia.

Unfortified Sandwich bread Sandwich bread Sandwich bread

dosage from

wheat flour from unfortified from fortified from fortified

fortification

flour (Control) flour 1 flour 2 (ferrous

Expected

(NaFeEDTA, fumarate, 60ppm)

ppm

40ppm)

Iron (mg/kg) See column 6 9 35 44

headings
Zinc (mg/kg) 55 3 6 36 37

Vitamin B1 4.2 <2.5 <2.5 6.5 5.0

(mg/kg)
Vitamin B2 6.7 <2.5 <2.5 5.0 5.0
(mg/kg)
Vitamin B12 0.02 0.002 0.0015 0.018 0.015
(µg/g)
Folic acid 2.6 0.185 0.117 0.305 0.325
(µg/g)

Table 20. Nutrient content of sandwich bread in the Philippines.

Expected dosage Sandwich bread from Sandwich bread from

from fortification fortified flour 1 (NaFeEDTA fortified flour 2 (ferrous
(ppm) 40ppm) fumarate 60ppm)

Folic Acid (ppm) 5.0 4.5 4.3

Iron (ppm) See column headings 50.5 73.0

Vitamin A (ppm) 5.9 3.6 3.6

21
Table 21. Iron content of fortified pan bread in Sri Lanka.

Expected Iron in Iron in product

dosage from flour-(on (after %Loss in added
Pan bread fortification dry basis) processing) - (on Fe
(ppm) (ppm) ±SD dry basis) (ppm) ±SD (on dry basis)
Control (correction n/a
factor) 14.8 3.77 0.13 n/a
20ppm
Flour 1 (NaFeEDTA) 22.52 2.44 18.70 0.30 17.00
Flour 2 30ppm
(Ferrous fumarate) 34.44 1.88 30.85 3.64 10.43
Flour 3 60ppm
(Electrolytic iron) 60.43 1.27 46.27 0.30 23.44

a. Sensory evaluation. In Indonesia, the taste and aroma of breads

made with fortified flours 1 (NaFeEDTA) and 2 (ferrous fumarate)
were similar to the taste and aroma of the control bread. In Malaysia,
breads baked with control flour and fortified flours 1 (NaFeEDTA) and
2 (ferrous fumarate) were judged by the sensory panel to have similar
flavor and overall acceptability. In the Philippines, sandwich breads
baked from both fortified flours (NaFeEDTA and ferrous fumarate)
had no unusual odor or taste, and were considered acceptable overall.
In Sri Lanka, the flavor and taste of breads from fortified flours 1
(NaFeEDTA), 2 (ferrous fumarate), 3 (electrolytic iron), and the
control flour were found to be similar and highly acceptable.

5. Soft rolls (Philippines)

a. Color. The color of the dough from both fortified flours (NaFeEDTA
and ferrous fumarate) was normal but with grayish-brown spots
visible, and the crumb color score from both flours was ranked as “4”
(on a scale of 1 to 5).
b. Texture. The grain and texture of rolls from both fortified flours was
ranked as “4” (on a scale of 1 to 5).
c. Retention of nutrients. The analysis of nutrient content of soft rolls
is shown in Table 22.
d. Sensory evaluation. The rolls from both fortified flours had no
unusual odor or taste, the chewiness was “just right”, and the rolls
were considered acceptable overall.
Table 22. Nutrient content of soft rolls in the Philippines.

Expected dosage from Soft rolls from fortified flour Soft rolls from fortified flour
fortification (ppm) 1 (NaFeEDTA 40ppm) 2 (ferrous fumarate 60ppm)
Folic Acid (ppm) 5.0 3.6 3.6
Iron (ppm) See column headings 38.7 55.7
Vitamin A (ppm) 5.9 3.5 3.4

22
 6. Hard crust rolls/baguette (Philippines)
a. Color. The color of the dough from both fortified flours (NaFeEDTA and
ferrous fumarate) was normal but with grayish-brown spots visible.

b. Retention of nutrients. The analysis of nutrient content of hard crust

rolls/baguette is shown in Table 23.

c. Sensory evaluation. There were no significant differences in the

character of the crusts of baguettes made from fortified flours 1 and 2.
Table 23. Nutrient content of hard crust rolls/baguette in the Philippines.

Expected dosage Hard rolls/baguette from Hard rolls/baguette from

from fortification fortified flour 1 (NaFeEDTA fortified flour 2 (ferrous
(ppm) 40ppm) fumarate 60ppm)
Folic Acid (ppm) 5.0 4.6 4.4
Iron (ppm) See column headings 77.3 73.1
Vitamin A (ppm) 5.9 3.7 3.8

7. Martabak (Indonesia)
a. Color. The color of martabak made from fortified flour 1 (NaFeEDTA)
was slightly darker than the control, whereas the martabak from fortified
flour 2 (ferrous fumarate) was slightly brighter than the control; the
differences were not significant.
b. Texture. The
Figure 7. Martabak from fortified flours and control flour in Indonesia. texture of
martabak
made from
fortified flour
1 was similar
to that of the
control flour
martabak; the
texture of
martabak from
fortified flour
2 was less
compact,
compared to
the control,
C: Control (*Segitiga Biru – unfortified)
A: Segitiga Biru + 600ppm ELCOvit 29439
but the
B: Segitiga Biru + 400ppm ELCOvit 29440
*Name brand for multipurpose application
differences
(Martabak) were not
significant.

23
 c. Retention of nutrients. The iron content of martabak is shown in
Table 24.

d. Sensory evaluation. The taste and aroma of martabak made from

fortified flours 1 and 2 were similar to the control.
Table 24. Iron and folic acid content of Indonesian martabak.

Expected dosage Martabak from Martabak from Martabak from

from fortification unfortified flour fortified flour A fortified flour B
(ppm) (Control) (NaFeEDTA, (ferrous fumarate,
40ppm) 60ppm)

Iron See column 5.36 22.51 31.21

(mg/kg) headings
Folic acid 2.6ppm 1.87 1.38 0.89
(mg/kg)

8. Roti canai (Malaysia, Sri Lanka)

a. Color. In Malaysia, the color and appearance of roti canai made from
the control flour and fortified flours 1 (NaFeEDTA) and 2 (ferrous
fumarate) were similar. In Sri Lanka, all three fortified roti samples
(NaFeEDTA, ferrous fumarate, and electrolytic iron) and the control
roti were similarly accepted (“like very much”) with regard to color.

b. Texture. In Malaysia, the surface crispness and firmness of roti canai

made from the control flour and fortified flours 1 and 2 were similar.
In Sri Lanka, all three fortified roti samples and the control roti were
similarly accepted (“like very much”) with regard to texture.

c. Retention of nutrients. The analysis of nutrients in the roti canai from

Malaysia is shown in Table 25. Based on these results, there appears
to be sufficient retention of nutrients. In Sri Lanka, researchers

Figure 8. Roti canai from fortified flours and control flour in Malaysia.

24
 estimated the iron content of roti from three fortified flours, and the
respective losses during processing (Table 26).

d. Sensory evaluation. In Malaysia, the chewiness, floury taste, and

overall quality of roti canai made from the control flour and fortified
flours 1 (NaFeEDTA) and 2 (ferrous fumarate) were similar. In Sri
Lanka, all three fortified roti samples (NaFeEDTA, ferrous fumarate,
and electrolytic iron) and the control roti were similarly accepted
(“like very much”) with regard to flavour, taste, and overall
acceptability.
Table 25. Nutrient content of wheat flour, roti canai from unfortified wheat flour, and roti canai
from fortified flours 1 and 2 in Malaysia.

Unfortified Roti canai from Roti canai from Roti canai from
fortification

wheat flour unfortified fortified flour 1 fortified flour 2

Expected
dosage

flour (Control) (NaFeEDTA, (ferrous fumarate,

from

ppm

40ppm) 60ppm)

Iron (mg/kg) See column 6 10 29 37

headings

Zinc (mg/kg) 55 3 4 32 30

Vitamin B1 4.2 <2.5 <2.5 5.0 5.0

(mg/kg)

Vitamin B2 6.7 <2.5 <2.5 4.0 3.0

(mg/kg)

Vitamin B12 0.02 0.002 0.004 0.015 0.016

(µg/g)

Folic acid 2.6 0.185 0.098 0.259 0.266

(µg/g)

Table 26. Iron content of fortified roti in Sri Lanka.

Expected Iron in Iron in product

dosage from flour-(on (after processing) %Loss in
Roti fortification dry basis) - (on dry basis) added Fe
(ppm) (ppm) ±SD (ppm) ±SD (on dry basis)
Control (correction n/a
factor) 0 24.34 1.51 n/a
20ppm
Flour 1 (NaFeEDTA) 22.52 2.44 15.36 11.18 31.81
Flour 2 30ppm
(Ferrous fumarate) 34.44 1.88 30.02 0.50 12.84
Flour 3 60ppm
(Electrolytic iron) 60.43 1.27 31.07 0.23 48.59

25
9. Chapatti (India)
a. Color. The color of chapattis from fortified atta flours 1 (NaFeEDTA), 2
(ferrous sulphate), and 3 (electrolytic iron) was slightly darker than the
control, but no spots were observed particular to the fortified flour.
b. Texture. Chapatti made from fortified flour 2 (ferrous sulphate) was
more dense than chapatti from fortified flours 1 (NaFeEDTA) and 3
(electrolytic iron), or the control. No holes or cracking were observed
upon roasting the chapattis made from the 3 fortified flours or the control.

Figure 9. Control and Fortified Chapatti in India.

c. Retention of nutrients. The analysis of nutrients in fortified chapattis

yielded the expected levels of nutrients, with comparison to the
specifications of the fortified flours (Table 27).
d. Water absorption. Moisture was most retained by the chapatti from
fortified flour 2 (ferrous sulphate), followed by the control, followed
by fortified flours 1 (NaFeEDTA) and 3 (electrolytic iron).
e. Cook yield. The sizes and weights of chapattis made from fortified
flours 1 (NaFeEDTA), 2 (ferrous sulphate), and 3 (electrolytic iron)
and the control, were similar.
f. Sensory evaluation. Chapatti from flour 1 (NaFeEDTA) was the most
preferred in overall rank. Chapatti from flour 2 (ferrous sulphate) was
least preferred in taste and chewability and overall rank. Chapatti from
flour 3 (electrolytic iron) was the most preferred in taste and chewability.
Chapattis from flours 1 (NaFeEDTA) and 3 (electrolytic iron) were
preferred over the control in taste, chewability, and overall rank.

26
Table 27. Nutrient Analysis of Fortified Chapattis and Puris in India.
Sample: Flour 1 (NaFeEDTA, 20ppm)

Nutrient Flour Specs* Chapattis Puris

Vitamin B12 0.01 – 0.015 g Detected Detected
Folic Acid 1.30 – 1.69 g 1.30 ppm 1.25 ppm
Iron 20.00 – 22.00 g 23.00 ppm 21.00 ppm

Sample: Flour 2 (Ferrous Sulphate, 30ppm)

Nutrient Flour Specs* Chapattis Puris
Vitamin B12 0.01 – 0.015 g Detected Detected
Folic Acid 1.30 – 1.69 g 1.39 ppm 1.21 ppm
Iron 30.00 – 33.00 g 31.00 ppm 28.00 ppm

Sample: Flour 3 (Electrolytic Iron, 60ppm)

Nutrient Flour Specs* Chapattis Puris
Vitamin B12 0.01 – 0.015 g Detected Detected
Folic Acid 1.30 – 1.69 g 1.32 ppm 1.27 ppm
Iron 60.00 – 66.00 g 63.00 ppm 60.00 ppm
*Label claim of expected nutrients (g) per 1,000kg of fortified flour (equivalent of ppm).

10. Puri (India)

a. Color. The color of puris from fortified atta flours 1 (NaFeEDTA), 2
(ferrous sulphate), and 3 (electrolytic iron) was slightly darker than the
control, but no spots were observed particular to the fortified flour.

b. Texture. Puris made from the three fortified flours were more dense
than puri from the control flour. No holes or cracks were observed in
any of the puris upon frying.
Figure 10. Control and Fortified Puris in India.

c. Retention of nutrients. The analysis of nutrients in fortified puris

yielded the expected levels of nutrients, with comparison to the
specifications of the fortified flours (Table 27).

27
 d. Water absorption. Puri made from fortified flour 2 (ferrous sulphate)
absorbed significantly less oil than the other fortified flours or the
control, but the lesser oil content did not affect the taste and chewability
of flour 2 puri compared to puris from other fortified and control flours.

e. Cook yield. The sizes and weights of puris made from fortified flours 1,
2, and 3 and the control, were similar.

f. Sensory evaluation. Puri made with fortified flours 2 (ferrous sulphate)

and 3 (electrolytic iron) was comparable in taste and chewability, and
preferred over the control, and marginally preferred over puri made with
fortified flour 1 (FeEDTA). Puri from fortified flour 2 was the most
preferred in overall rank and the control was the least preferred.

11. Pittu (Sri Lanka)

a. Color. There were no significant differences in the color of pittu made
from fortified flours 1 (NaFeEDTA), 2 (ferrous fumarate), and 3
(electrolytic iron) and pittu made from the control flour; all were
considered acceptable with regard to color.

b. Texture. There were Figure 11. Pittu in Sri Lanka.

minor differences in the
texture of the pittu
samples: the texture of
pittu from flour 2 (ferrous
fumarate) was least
preferred and the texture
from flour 3 (electrolytic
iron) was most preferred.
All four pittu (from fortified
flours 1, 2, and 3 and the
control flour) were
considered acceptable with
regard to texture.

c. Retention. Researchers
estimated the iron content
of pittu samples and the
respective losses during processing (Table 28).

d. Sensory evaluation. There were minor differences in the taste and

flavor of the four pittu samples: pittu from flour 2 (ferrous fumarate) was
least preferred and pittu from flour 3 (electrolytic iron) was most
preferred. All four pittu (from fortified flours 1, 2, and 3 and the control
flour) were considered acceptable with regard to taste and flavour.

28
Table 28. Iron content of fortified pittu in Sri Lanka.

Expected Iron in Iron in product

dosage from flour - (on (after %Loss in added
Pittu fortification dry basis) processing) - (on Fe
(ppm) (ppm) ±SD dry basis) (ppm) ±SD (on dry basis)
Control (correction n/a
factor) 0 10.32 0.30 n/a
20ppm
Flour 1 (NaFeEDTA) 22.52 2.44 21.20 0.22 5.99
Flour 2 30ppm
(Ferrous fumarate) 34.44 1.88 29.96 0.12 12.91
Flour 3 60ppm
(Electrolytic iron) 60.43 1.27 57.06 0.84 5.52

12. Godamba roti (Sri Lanka)

Figure 12. Godamba roti from Sri Lanka. a. Color, Texture, and Sensory
evaluation. All four godamba
roti samples- from fortified
flours 1 (NaFeEDTA), 2
(ferrous fumarate), 3
(electrolytic iron), and the
control flour- were well and
equally accepted (“like very
much” ranking) in terms of
color, texture, flavour, taste,
and overall acceptability.
b. Retention. Researchers
estimated the iron content and
losses during processing of all
godamba roti samples
(Table 29).
Table 29. Iron content of fortified godamba roti in Sri Lanka.

Expected Iron in Iron in product %Loss in

dosage from flour-(on (after processing) added Fe
Godamba roti fortification dry basis) - (on dry basis) (on dry
(ppm) (ppm) ±SD (ppm) ±SD basis)
Control (correction factor) n/a 0 10.67 0.19 n/a
Flour 1 (NaFeEDTA) 20ppm 22.52 2.44 22.33 1.05 No loss
Flour 2 30ppm
(Ferrous fumarate) 34.44 1.88 34.61 0.12 No loss
Flour 3 60ppm
(Electrolytic iron) 60.43 1.27 46.38 3.99 23.26

29
 13. String hoppers (Sri Lanka)
a. Color. The color of string Figure 13. String hoppers from Sri Lanka.
hoppers made from
fortified flours 1
(NaFeEDTA), 2 (ferrous
fumarate), and 3
(electrolytic iron) and the
control flour were all
accepted in the category of
“moderately liked”. When
compared, the color of the
string hoppers from flour 3
was liked the best, and that
from flour 1 was liked the
least.

b. Texture. There were no

significant differences in
the texture of string hoppers from fortified flours 1, 2, and 3, and the
control flour.

c. Retention. Researchers estimated the iron content and losses due to

processing in all string hopper samples (Table 30).

d. Sensory evaluation. There were no significant differences in the taste

and flavour of string hoppers from fortified flours 1,2, and 3 and the
control flour.
Table 30. Iron content of fortified string hoppers in Sri Lanka.

Expected Iron in Iron in product

dosage from flour - (on (after %Loss in added
String hoppers fortification dry basis) processing) - (on Fe
(ppm) (ppm) ±SD dry basis) (ppm) ±SD (on dry basis)
Control (correction n/a
factor) 0.10 4.83 0.43 n/a
20ppm
Flour 1 (NaFeEDTA) 21.18 0.19 15.30 0.13 30.27
Flour 2 30ppm
(Ferrous fumarate) 32.51 0.13 28.38 1.36 12.70
Flour 3 60ppm
(Electrolytic iron) 59.03 1.11 59.0 0.85 2.37

30
Discussion and Conclusions
The wide (and growing) variety of commonly consumed food products made with
wheat flour in Asia has warranted the studies summarized in this report. Flour
fortification is already ongoing in some of the largest flourmills in Asia. The 2009
recommendations from WHO aim to ensure that past, current, and future
investments in flour fortification will be optimized in terms of their positive impacts
on the health of consumers. The types and levels of nutrients added should not
impart negative consequences on the processing or organoleptic/sensory
characteristics of the flour nor the products made from it.

A remarkably wide variety of noodles and breads exist across Asia. While it is
common in the West for fortified flours to be used in the production of pasta and
breads, the recipes (and modes of preparation) that are particular to Asia warrant
independent investigation as to the effects of fortification. The research represented
in this report is for the most commonly consumed wheat flour products in the six
countries.

Generally speaking, the effect of fortification on various types of noodles was only
with regard to color: grayish specks on the dough sheet, and slightly less bright or
yellow noodles, were considered minor and acceptable differences in all cases. The
texture, noodle crumb and sheet structure, water absorption and cook yield, and
sensory evaluations (including taste, flavor, and mouthfeel) of fortified noodles were
similar to control noodles and acceptable in all cases.

The rancidity experiment by Malaysian researchers indicates that fortification may

impact the shelf life of instant noodles. Because the experiment only looked at the
peroxide value (PV) of noodles after one year, and because the shelf life of instant
noodles is typically 4 to 6 months, a remaining research question is to find out how
many months after storage did the PVs rise above the safe level (PV <30mequiv/kg
is considered safe, following the Japanese standard). Furthermore, the Malaysian
experiment tested various forms of iron, but didn’t include NaFeEDTA. Therefore
another remaining research question would be to evaluate the impact of NaFeEDTA
on oxidation and shelf life.

The effect of fortification on bread products was also primarily with regard to
color: grayish-brown spots were visible in some bread products, or the bread was
“less bright”. Again, these differences were generally reported as “not significant”
and acceptable. Other aspects of breads, including texture, taste, aroma, chewiness,
etc., were considered similar between fortified and control breads, and the fortified
breads ranked as acceptable or highly acceptable.

Grayish specks in the dough (for noodles and bread) or bread products themselves
were generally considered acceptable by the researchers and panelists. It’s
important to note that the cause of these specks is unknown, and not necessarily
related to the iron in the fortification premix, as the specks are not always observed,
even when iron is present. If specks are a cause for concern for producers or
consumers, further investigation may be warranted.

Generally speaking, we can say that the fortified foods in all country studies did
retain a notable proportion of nutrients throughout processing. Studies in China and

31
Sri Lanka were designed to calculate loss rates of nutrients (the loss of added iron
due to cooking or baking, etc). Studies in India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the
Philippines were not designed to calculate loss rates, as they didn’t analyze nutrients
in the flours (or doughs), only the foods. Philippines and India did not analyze
control (unfortified) flour. It should also be noted that for the analysis of iron
content, atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) will detect not only the iron
added by fortification, but also the intrinsic iron in the flour and any other
ingredients. This may explain why, in some cases, the iron content of the foods is
higher than the expected dosage of added iron in the fortified flours.

While these six research studies examined the retention of nutrients in the foods
prepared with various fortified flours, it should also be noted that the bioavailability
(or the body’s ability to absorb the nutrient) is not the same for all iron fortificants.
The researchers didn’t examine bioavailability; many studies have done so in the
past. Generally speaking, NaFeEDTA is the most bioavailable of all the iron forms,
and electrolytic iron is the least bioavailable. This is a key issue with regard to
effectiveness and achieving the intended benefits for public health, so much so that
the WHO 2009 recommendations propose only NaFeEDTA, but no other iron
fortificant, for high extraction flour.

As with any research, there were constraints. Researchers were given limited time
in which to conduct their studies. The comparative nature of this summary report is
limited by the fact that researchers in each of the six countries employed different
study designs and methods of analysis. Furthermore, not all parameters could be
tested in all countries, which also limited the comparability of findings. In some
cases, there were difficulties with measuring retention of nutrients in the final food
products, and therefore suspected errors in the reported findings are not presented
in this document, but warrant further investigation.

The retention data in this report demonstrates the wide variations that can occur in
food testing, and that making standards for fortified foods rather than flours can be
problematic and complicated. The analyses presented are only a snapshot of one set
of data, whereas several samples would have to be run to make it statistically
relevant. The fact that multiple laboratories and different equipment and
procedures were used adds to this variability.

Despite the constraints, and based on the information presented in this summary
report, it is reasonable to conclude that:

1. The processing and organoleptic differences between fortified and non-

fortified products were minimal, and were considered acceptable in all cases.

2. There are practically no significant differences reported between various

iron compounds in these fortified products, with regard to processing and
sensory characteristics. Researchers did not conclude any differences
between electrolytic iron and NaFeEDTA, ferrous sulphate, or ferrous
fumarate with regard to the major parameters, and all minor differences
were considered acceptable.
3. The overall acceptability of fortified products is equal to that of unfortified
products;

32
4. Micronutrients appear to be retained throughout the food preparation
process; and

5. It appears possible to fortify common Asian wheat flour products as per the
2009 WHO recommendations.

33
Appendix 1: WHO 2009 Recommendations

34
35
36
Appendix 2: Test Parameters and Methodology

Parameters China India Indonesia Malaysia Philippines Sri Lanka

Colour Subjective Subjective Konica Konica Konica Minolta

visual visual Minolta CR- Minolta CR- Minolta CR- chromameter
examination examination 300 410 310
by chromameter chromameter chromameter
7-member
untrained
panel

Texture Perten/2200 Subjective Trained Trained Subjective Subjective

brabender visual panelists and panelists and evaluation evaluation
farinograph examination TA-XT2i TA-XT2i by by trained
was used to by Texture Texture researchers panelists
detect 7-member Analyzer Analyzer
ductility and untrained
tensile panel
strength;
subjective
examination
of “mouth
feel”,
“structure”
(for steamed
bread), and
“elasticity”
(for noodles)

Noodle Sheet N/A Trained Subjective Subjective Not tested

Crumb and structure panelists evaluation evaluation
Sheet evaluated by by by
Structure physical researchers researchers
(noodles measurement
only) of noodle
before and
after drying
(% of
dilapidation)

Water Farinograph N/A Mathematically Mathematically Mathematically Not tested

absorption method calculated calculated calculated
(noodles using weight using weight using weight
only) of noodles of noodles of noodles
before and before and before and
after cooking after cooking after
cooking

37
Cook yield Weights of Weights of Weight of Weight of Weight of Not tested
foods food noodles after noodles noodles
measured measured boiling after boiling after boiling
with
electronic
scale
Sensory Subjective 7-member Subjective Subjective Subjective Subjective
Evaluation examination untrained evaluation by evaluation evaluation evaluation
by panel used trained by trained by by trained
researchers 5-point panelists panelists researchers panelists
Hedonic
scale
Micronutrient China India Indonesia Malaysia Philippines Sri Lanka
content:
Iron AAS Atomic AAS ICP-OES AAS AOAC
Absorption / (Inductively Offical
Colorimetric Coupled Method of
Methods Plasma- Analysis
Optical (2000),
Emission Method
Spectrometry) 944.02,
methods Iron in
were used. Flour,
To determine spectrophoto-
the heavy metric
metals level, method
AOAC ( Chapter
methods were 32.1.09)
used (AOAC,
1984).

Folic Acid Microbiologic HPLC HPLC AOAC 960 46/ HPLC Not tested
al assay Microassay
Turbimetric
Method
Vitamin B12 HPLC HPLC Not tested AOAC 960 46/ Not tested Not tested
Microassay
Turbimetric
Method
Vitamin A HPLC N/A N/A N/A HPLC N/A

Zinc AAS N/A Not tested ICP-OES N/A Not tested

(Inductively
Coupled
Plasma-
Optical
Emission
Spectrometry)
methods
were used.

38
Thiamin (B1) Colorimetry N/A Not tested In-house N/A Not tested
method
based on
AOAC 942
23, 970.65
and HPLC

Riboflavin Flourimetric N/A Not tested In-house N/A Not tested

(B2) method method
based on
AOAC 942
23, 970.65
and HPLC

39