Fortifying wheat is critical to address the growing prevalence of iron deficiency and anaemia. However, this presents challenges for farmers and other actors in the supply chain, as fortification may increase production costs and ultimately raise consumer prices:

• Government support is essential to develop and enforce clear fortification regulations, particularly in regions of Pakistan most affected by malnutrition.
• Micronutrient deficiencies should be addressed through naturally available, affordable food products in local markets. Staple foods that are consumed daily should be prioritised for fortification.
• The major obstacle to effective food fortification in Pakistan is the lack of consistent and balanced regulatory mechanisms. Strengthening these systems is necessary to ensure compliance and quality assurance across the supply chain.
• Comprehensive clinical and non-clinical data are needed to assess current health conditions, measure progress, and establish evidence-based benchmarks for food quality and nutritional outcomes.
• Consumers require clear, simple, and standardised nutrition labels to understand the value of fortified foods. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and larger food manufacturers should enhance packaging transparency and run awareness campaigns to build public trust and promote healthier food choices.
• Micronutrient deficiencies, particularly in vitamin D and iron, affect over half of Pakistan’s population especially women and children under five resulting in malnutrition and impaired cognitive development. The government, together with SMEs, should promote the consumption of fortified foods and raise public awareness of their long-term health benefits.
• Leading food brands should actively participate in nationwide nutrition awareness campaigns to emphasise the importance of fortified foods. By leveraging their influence, they can contribute significantly to combating micronutrient deficiencies and supporting national nutrition goals.
• Students studying food sciences and nutrition should be given practical opportunities to strengthen their academic learning through field-based capacity-building programmes. They should be equipped with food testing kits to assess quality and nutrition, thereby contributing to improved public health standards.
• Laboratory infrastructure for food testing in Pakistan should be strengthened and mobilised to identify nutrient gaps in frequently consumed foods and to ensure compliance with national fortification standards.
• Provincial food authorities should be empowered and adequately resourced to enforce legislation, conduct regular inspections, and implement strict compliance frameworks to ensure food safety and fortification standards are met.
• All food-related organisations should work in coordination rather than isolation, pooling health and nutrition data to build an interconnected system that supports evidence-based decision-making and enhances food security outcomes.