Food Aid Quality Review Phase II: Technical Report No. 3

The contract, known as the Food Aid Quality Review Phase II (FAQR Phase II), aims to improve the quality of Title II food aid commodities and programming. The FAQR Phase II builds on the work performed under the original FAQR and focuses on implementing recommendations made in Phase I for changes in food aid products, programming, and processes. The FAQR Phase II activities include advancing the evidence base through production and testing of improved food products, their packaging and delivery methods, and comparative studies of products' nutritional effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. The work of the FAQR Phase II continues to address three areas of focus: products, programs, and processes. Specific areas of concentration include the development of specifications for updated Fortified Blended Foods (FBFs), including CSB14, milled flours, enhanced vegetable oil, and micronutrient premixes. Implementation research and pilot projects are also being conducted to assess the feasibility of ensuring that CSB is programmed with oil and the impact of package changes on correct use. Field studies will be conducted in two countries to assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the new CSB14, delivered with oil, in the prevention and treatment of moderate wasting and in the prevention of stunting in children under age two. The FAQR Phase II also focuses on the formation of an Interagency Food Aid Technical Committee and implementing regular meetings with major food aid agencies to address the need for harmonization of food products and related procurement and quality assurance processes used in Title II food aid. Regular work is being done with industry and other stakeholders to promote public/private partnerships for innovation and ensure stakeholder input. During the quarter of April 1, 2012, to June 30, 2012, the team worked to refine the specifications of several products, including fortified cereals, fortified vegetable oil, and CSB/WSB products. The team also made progress in the development of documents and identification of suppliers for the procurement of FBF products for the FAQR effectiveness trials. Potential suppliers were identified, and possible timetables were discussed relating to production of products for the effectiveness trials. The team also worked to prepare and develop the Request for Proposal (RFP) and specifications for the procurement of the CSB14 and other products for effectiveness trials. A pilot run of vegetable oil fortified with vitamin A and D was also carried out as an additional no-cost activity as part of an existing contract. The objectives of this pilot trial were to test the feasibility of fortifying vegetable oil with a premix containing both vitamin A and vitamin D, determine the ratio of vitamin A to vitamin D found in the fortified oil produced during the pilot run, and verify that vitamin A can be used in the fortification process.