Summary:

GAIN Working Paper Series 8 – Why do companies fortify? Drivers of compliance with edible oil fortification in Bangladesh

This report responds to earlier findings of suboptimal compliance with mandatory fortification of edible oil in Bangladesh. The root causes of poor compliance are explored and explained. Five recommendations to strengthen the national fortification programme in Bangladesh and other similar contexts are provided; namely, introduce appropriate labelling to ensure that bulk oil is traceable; implement producer inspections at least quarterly, with greater resources to support this effort; strengthen penalties for non-compliance, along with positive reputational incentives; ensure that suitable premix is available to all producers; and strengthen and improve data-driven monitoring of compliance.

Authors: Mbuya, Mduduzi N N; Thorpe, Jodie; Carpio, Abigail; Islam, Ainee; Saha, Amrita; Balagamwala, Mysbah; Sultana, Sabiha; Sarwar, Rubaiyath; Ebata, Ayako