The Food and Drug Administration has provided guidance on the fortification of foods with essential nutrients. The FDA has not changed its fortification policy, but the guidance titled “Questions and Answers on FDA’s Fortification Policy” addresses questions about the existing policy and compiles information on fortification of various foods.

Foods may be fortified to correct a dietary insufficiency; restore nutrient levels to those prior to storage, handling and processing; provide a balance of vitamins, minerals and protein in proportion to the total caloric content of the food; or prevent nutrient inventory in a food that replaces a traditional food in the diet.