When
14 October 2025
Where
Istanbul, Türkiye
Summary
On October 14, 2025, the Food Fortification Initiative (FFI) participated in the 4th Food Innovation Summit at Boğaziçi University in Istanbul, where FFI Türkiye Advisor Uzm. Dyt. Sevilay Sarışen strategically presented large-scale food fortification as a key driver for value addition, industrial innovation, and regional food security. Speaking on a panel alongside United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) representatives and industry leaders, Sarışen highlighted widespread regional micronutrient deficiencies in iron, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and folic acid, urging Turkish food manufacturers to move beyond bulk commodity exports toward fortified, high-value emergency products. To achieve this vision, FFI outlined a 5-year strategic roadmap encompassing immediate mandatory flour fortification, expanded vitamin D fortification in dairy through partnerships with industry groups like SETBİR, and the broad production of fortified consumer goods to serve regional markets. The summit also enabled direct engagement with key government bodies, academic institutions, and trade associations, fostering multi-stakeholder coalitions and aligning fortification efforts with national agricultural policies and emerging biotechnology standards.
