In 2025, FFI supported Azerbaijan in designing a national wheat flour fortification program, working closely with the Azerbaijan Food Safety Agency (AFSA) and UNICEF Azerbaijan to translate the country’s strong government commitment to nutrition into actionable policy.
In addition to providing general technical assistance, FFI and partners supported the development of tailored fortification policy recommendations, a draft fortification standard, and standard operating procedures, laying the technical foundation for a future wheat flour fortification mandate.
A key milestone in the collaboration was a February 2025 study visit to FFI headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. The study visit covered key topics such as policy and monitoring best practices and fortification communications. During the visit, the team also visited Ardent Mills’ Chattanooga facility, where representatives from government, UNICEF, and industry observed flour fortification in practice. The visit provided practical insights into premix integration, dosing technology, and quality assurance systems—bringing the operational realities of fortification to life. These lessons have directly informed Azerbaijan’s planning discussions and strengthened confidence in implementing a sustainable program.
Since the project ended in May 2025, the Government of Azerbaijan has taken concrete steps toward mandating fortification with essential nutrients such as iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12, and is convening a multisectoral working group to guide implementation. FFI remains engaged as a trusted technical partner, providing ongoing input as the country advances toward legislation and national rollout. Azerbaijan’s strong government leadership, technical partnership with FFI and UNICEF, and private-sector engagement positions the country to deliver meaningful reductions in micronutrient deficiencies and transform nutrition.
