Food fortification, a potent way to fight hidden hunger Two billion people suffer from vitamin and mineral deficiencies, said the panel in the webinar By IANS| Posted by Sakina Fatima | Updated: 4th April 2021 2:51 pm IST Representative Image New Delhi: A worldwide shift to combat hidden hunger needs to be launched by processing food in a way that micronutrient shortages are adequately addressed. Micronutrients can be mixed with staple foods like rice, oil, wheat, or maize flour, as well as condiments like salt, for a very low cost, said experts in a recent webinar. According to World Health Organization (WHO), hidden hunger occurs when the quality of food people eat does not meet their nutrient requirements, so the food is deficient in micronutrients such as the vitamins and minerals that they need for their growth and development. Deficiencies in iron, vitamin A and iodine are the most common around the world, particularly in children and pregnant women.