Vitamin A stability in Nigerian wheat flour and fortification compliance level

Stability and compliance level of fortified Nigerian retailed flour has not been determined. The aim of study therefore was to evaluate vitamin A stability in retailed flour and assess compliance status. Seventeen wheat flour samples were randomly selected from 12 bakeries across six Local Government Areas in Lagos, Nigeria. Pre- and post-storage retinol analyses of retailed flour stored for 30 days were carried out using high performance liquid chromatography. Stability results for flour were grouped under 1, 2, and 3 months conditions. Fortification compliance was calculated based on three assumptions, using Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS) (≥30.0 IU/g). WHO guidelines (Feasible Fortification Level/Range (FFL)) of approximately 25 % loss (22.5 -30.0 IU/g) and 50 % acceptable compliance range (ACR) for vitamin A (15.0-30.0 IU/g). Sample stability and compliance were calculated in percentages. Data were analysed using T-test and ANOVA at p<.05. Mean vitamin A (retinol) contents of flour were 18,221.3 IU/kg (1 month), 9,181.9 IU/kg (2 months) and 6,432.7 IU/kg (3 months). Pre- and post-storage vitamin A stabilities in flour at 1, 2, and 3 months were 60.7, 30.6, and 21.4%. Only 11.8% of samples met NIS. Pre-storage vitamin A content compliance in flour was 23.5% and non-compliance rate was 76.5%. Post-storage compliance rate decreased to 5.9% while non-compliance rate increased to 94.1%. Significant difference existed between vitamin A content of flour and NIS. Low stability and compliance were observed in flour samples. Revised quality of premix, effective monitoring and enforcement should be ensured.