Fortification Premixes

Premixes: Vitamins and Minerals are usually added to cereals in the form of Premix (with the exception of Calcium, which, if used, is added separately, due to its bulk). A fortification premix is typically designed to be added at a rate between 50 and 300 grams per metric ton of flour. Addition rates lower than that are too difficult to control accurately, even for large mills.

Preblends: Small mills may require a more dilute premix that can be added at rates higher than 300 g/MT. In that case the mill may mix the premix with flour to create a preblend. Mills normally make sufficient preblend for no more than a couple days run to avoid problems with infestation or off-flavor development. Flour improvers such as enzymes and oxidants may be included in a preblend.

Other additions: Fortification premixes generally include a diluent (such as starch, calcium salts, maltodextrose or other bulking agents) along with free-flow agents (e.g. tricalcium phosphate, silica) in order to prevent flow problems and make it blend well with the flour.

Certificate: Each lot of a fortification premix should have a certificate of analyses proving that its micronutrient content is as specified.

Packaging and Labeling: Each container of premix should be packaged so that it is protected from air, light and water. The label on each premix container should show the ingredients and the level of each micronutrient that would be added at the indicated addition rate.

More on Premixes

The Premixes Overview provides information on the advantages of using premixes, as well as their design, production, storage and handling, while Guidelines on Premixes provides a step by step guide on the selection of premixes, depending on the country's food laws and regulations. It also includes guidelines on how to devise national food fortification guidelines and standards.

Premix Suppliers: Click here for a list of premix suppliers