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Tanzania is significantly advancing its efforts to combat widespread vitamin and mineral deficiencies, particularly among vulnerable populations. The government recently supplied 100 litres of Vitamin A premix to the Tanzania Sunflower Processors Association (TASUPA), intended for use by small-scale edible oil producers across the nation. This strategic move forms a crucial part of a broader government initiative aimed at ensuring all domestically produced edible oils are fortified with essential nutrients, especially benefiting children under five and pregnant women.
The handover ceremony, held yesterday in Dodoma, coincided with the launch of the 2026 National Food Fortification Guidelines. These guidelines are designed to provide comprehensive instructions to food processors on the required standards and procedures for incorporating vital nutrients into their products.
Dr. Eliud Eliakim, the Acting Chief Medical Officer, speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, highlighted the persistent challenge posed by vitamin and mineral deficiencies among children, adolescents, and women of reproductive age. He emphasized that 'adequate vitamins and minerals are essential for maintaining good health and preventing conditions associated with poor nutrition, including anaemia, stunting and wasting among children'. Dr. Eliakim further stated that 'the strategy of fortifying processed foods is one of the ways of improving food quality and addressing nutrition and health problems associated with micronutrient deficiencies'.
To bolster access to fortified foods, the government has implemented several key measures. These include the development of the aforementioned 2026 guidelines and the reinforcement of systems for monitoring and supervising food fortification practices. Additionally, the 2024 Food Fortification Regulations have been introduced, providing a clear legal and operational framework for food processors to ensure compliance with prescribed fortification standards.
Under this extensive initiative, the Ministry of Health has procured and distributed 12 i-check machines for testing nutrient levels in wheat and maize flour, deploying them to Ruvuma, Njombe, Mbeya, Songwe, Rukwa, Katavi, Kigoma, Geita, Tabora, Singida, Arusha, and Tanga regions. Furthermore, 160 dosifiers have been provided to small-scale processors who do not package their products, facilitating the production of fortified flour for local communities and schools. Four edible oil refinery machines, capable of both cleaning and Vitamin A fortification, have also been installed in processing centres located in Dodoma, Singida, and Mbeya.
Dr. Eliakim confirmed that the 100 litres of Vitamin A premix given to TASUPA would be distributed to small-scale edible oil processors through a revolving fund system. This mechanism, he explained, aims to guarantee that refined edible oils available to consumers consistently contain the necessary nutrients.
Representing the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Mr. Nyango Mbogora underscored food fortification as a pivotal government strategy for tackling micronutrient deficiencies, particularly through staple foods consumed regularly by the population. He clarified that edible oil was chosen as a vehicle for Vitamin A due to its critical role in daily diets, especially for children and pregnant women. Mr. Mbogora remarked, 'This is not simply a handover of nutrients. It is an investment in public health, quality production and national development'. He urged TASUPA to encourage its members to comply with fortification requirements and to invest in appropriate equipment, technology, quality-control systems, and skilled personnel. The Ministry, through the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS), will continue its collaboration with the private sector to enhance producers' capacity while rigorously enforcing laws, regulations, and standards.
Mr. Daniel Marwa, TBS Regional Manager, affirmed that the bureau would maintain its oversight of edible oil processors to ensure adherence to Vitamin A fortification standards. He added that TBS would provide educational support before resorting to legal action against non-compliant producers.
Mr. Ringo Iringo, Chairman of TASUPA, expressed optimism that Vitamin A fortification would also bolster the domestic sunflower industry. He believes it will improve the quality and competitiveness of locally produced cooking oil, remarking, 'If implemented properly, this initiative can improve the quality and competitiveness of our sunflower oil while increasing consumer confidence'. Mr. Iringo concluded by stating that TASUPA would continue to coordinate processors, build their capacity, and ensure they receive the necessary technical assistance to successfully implement food fortification requirements.
Source: dailynews.co.tz