Tanzania mandates fortification of staple foods under new 2024 regulations
TBS is conducting stakeholder training sessions to ensure processors and distributors comply with fortification requirements.
TANZANIA – The Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) has introduced the 2024 food fortification regulations, making it mandatory for staple foods such as maize flour to be enriched with essential nutrients in a nationwide effort to tackle malnutrition.
The regulations were unveiled on September 10 by David Ndibalema, Director of Standards Development at TBS, during a training session for maize industry stakeholders on quality, standards, and fortification guidelines.“The implementation of the 2024 food fortification regulations by TBS is a major step towards combating malnutrition and improving public health in the country,” said Mr. Ndibalema.
“By mandating the addition of vital nutrients to widely consumed staple foods like maize flour, the regulations aim to reduce deficiencies that cause anaemia, stunted growth, and other health problems, especially among vulnerable populations.”He added that the initiative will not only ensure safer and more nutritious food for consumers but also raise industry standards, strengthen compliance among producers, and align Tanzania with international food safety and nutrition guidelines. Ultimately, he noted, the regulations are designed to support the nation’s broader goal of improving citizens’ well-being and productivity through better nutrition.As part of the rollout, TBS is conducting stakeholder training sessions to ensure processors and distributors comply with Standard No. 328, which covers fortification requirements for maize flour, wheat flour, cooking oil, and salt.Mr. Ndibalema stressed that fortification will now be a prerequisite for product registration and certification.
Speaking on behalf of the Dar es Salaam Maize Flour Processors Association (UWAWASE), Tabrani Kinoni pledged full compliance, acknowledging the importance of the training in helping producers meet national quality benchmarks.Similarly, Emanuel Benjamin, Chairman of the Grain Distributors for Milling Machines, praised the sessions for addressing persistent concerns over low-quality grains. He emphasized that the sector is committed to educating customers on the value of fortified, high-quality products.Earlier this year, Tanzania partnered with Sanku, a non-profit organization and strategic partner of Millers for Nutrition, to officially begin enforcing its 2024 food fortification regulations, aiming to drastically reduce micronutrient deficiencies across the country.
The regulations mandate the addition of iron, folic acid, zinc, and vitamin B12, among others, to help address the country’s high rates of anemia, neural tube defects, and stunting.Sign up to HERE receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
