Microencapsulation and its application in micronutrient fortification through "engineered" staple foods

Despite the relatively small quantities required for micronutrients in the body, the challenge is the safe and effective delivery of them through food production and consumption; therefore, innovative technologies are always on demand. Microencapsulation is an enabling technology with promises in fulfilment of all technical requirements. We have then developed and successfully demonstrated a microencapsulation-based technology platform for fortification of typical staple foods on different size scales. Specifically, premixes containing selected multiple micronutrients and made by a series of encapsulation techniques, had matching physical characteristics when blended into market salt, sugar, or rice, as to be indistinguishable to the consumer. The processes have been scaled up and were successful in pilot and commercial scale tests in Asia and Latin America.