On December 3, 2024, Millers for Nutrition launched in Ethiopia marking a significant step in the country’s fight against malnutrition. The launch brought together key players from the government, private sector, and development partners.
Millers for Nutrition is a coalition of key food fortification stakeholders dedicated to helping millers fortify staple foods including wheat flour, edible oil, and salt with vital micronutrients. This aligns with the Ethiopian government’s recent National Food Fortification Program, which mandates the fortification of these staples.
“Millers for Nutrition is proud to align with the Ethiopian government’s vision for food fortification. By placing the food processing sector at the heart of this initiative, we recognize the vital role they play in ensuring that fortified foods reach Ethiopian households,” said Rizwuan Yusufali, Millers for Nutrition – Program Director. “Fortification is not just about adding nutrients; it is about creating value—value for consumers, families, and the future of Ethiopia.”
The coalition’s innovative approach connects millers to industry experts, suppliers, social enterprises, and other solution providers to access best in class technical assistance and specialized training on industry best practices. The support from partners not only improves the nutritional value of staple foods but also increases operational efficiencies and competitiveness of the businesses.
Millers for Nutrition operates in eight countries across Africa and Asia.
https://millersfornutrition.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/photo_5945198670515391165_y.jpg8531280Rue Mohamedhttps://millersfornutrition.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Millers-For-Nutrition_Core-Logo_Orange-White_RGB-2.svgRue Mohamed2024-12-27 11:24:382025-01-02 22:38:58Millers for Nutrition Launches in Ethiopia to Combat Malnutrition
Delegates from East African member states—Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi, Somalia, Uganda, and South Sudan—convened in Kigali, Rwanda, from December 9 to 13, 2024, to advance the harmonization of food and nutrition standards in the region. This meeting marked a significant step toward improving food safety and nutrition outcomes across East Africa by aligning standards and fostering regional collaboration.
Among the key standards under discussion were the Fortified Wheat Flour, Fortified Maize Flour, Food Fortification Premix and Fortificants, Fortified Milled Rice Specifications, Bio-Fortified Dry Beans Specifications, and Supplementary Foods for the Management of Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM) for individuals above five years. These standards represent critical areas for addressing micronutrient deficiencies and promoting healthier diets in the region.
A significant milestone achieved during the workshop was the adoption of regional fortified rice standards. Once published, this will guide pioneer millers in fortifying rice and increasing access to fortified rice across the region. As one of the fastest-growing staples in East Africa, rice presents a powerful opportunity to combat micronutrient deficiencies, particularly iron and zinc deficiencies. With this harmonization, East Africa is taking bold steps to promote healthier, nutrient-enriched diets for its people.
Revisions were also made to the specifications for Fortified Wheat Flour and Fortified Maize Flour. These included excluding Kenya from mandatory fortification with Vitamin A and removing the upper limits for zinc and folates. These adjustments reflect the region’s efforts to ensure that fortification standards are both practical and context-specific, balancing nutritional goals with local capacities and requirements.
The harmonized draft East African standards will now proceed to the next phase of the standardization process. They will be circulated for public review to allow stakeholders to provide further comments and observations. Based on the feedback received, a technical harmonization and editing meeting will be convened to resolve any issues and finalize the drafts. Concurrently, the East African Standards Technical Committee Secretariat will issue a joint World Trade Organization (WTO) notification on the draft standards.
Following these steps, partner states will conduct a ballot to conclude the technical phase of the standard development process. If the ballot is successful, the draft standards will be submitted to the East African Community (EAC) for final approval and publication. This systematic process ensures that the harmonized standards are robust, inclusive, and reflective of the region’s shared goals for food safety and nutrition.
Key partners who provided technical expertise and support for this process included partner countries’ Ministries of Health, Bureaus of Standards, the World Food Program (WFP), TechnoServe (TNS), and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN).
East Africa’s progress in harmonizing food and nutrition standards highlights the collective determination of member states to promote healthier, nutrient-enriched diets for their populations. By aligning efforts and fostering collaboration, the region is setting a strong foundation for improved food security and public health outcomes.
Story source Mildred Maingi | Program Specialist | Millers for Nutrition
https://millersfornutrition.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IMG-20241214-WA0042-r.jpg7081280Rue Mohamedhttps://millersfornutrition.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Millers-For-Nutrition_Core-Logo_Orange-White_RGB-2.svgRue Mohamed2024-12-27 10:43:152025-01-21 21:11:49Harmonization of East African Food and Nutrition Standards
In a significant step towards improving nutrition in Bangladesh, Millers for Nutrition, in collaboration with the World Food Program (WFP) and Nutrition International (NI), organized a national-level training program for fortified rice blending millers. The two-day residential training, held in Sreemangal, Moulavibazar District, aimed to enhance the knowledge and skills of approximately 150 mill owners and managers on optimal blending of fortified rice.
The training focused on Good Manufacturing Practices, Quality Control, and Standard Operating Procedures to ensure the quality of fortified rice and its optimal blending ratio. Technical experts from TechnoServe, WFP, NI, and government officials from DG Food and DWA facilitated the training.
The event was graced by the presence of Director General of DWA, Ms. Keya Khan and Director of DWA, Zakia Afroz. The training program is part of a larger effort to address micronutrient deficiencies in Bangladesh, where rice is a staple food ¹.
By fortifying rice with essential vitamins and minerals, the program aims to improve the nutritional quality of food for vulnerable populations. The training will enable millers to produce high-quality fortified rice, which will be supplied to government social safety net programs, including the Food Friendly Program and Vulnerable Women Benefit Program.
https://millersfornutrition.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC03803-1-scaled.jpg17072560Namrata Kainturahttps://millersfornutrition.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Millers-For-Nutrition_Core-Logo_Orange-White_RGB-2.svgNamrata Kaintura2024-12-23 23:42:502024-12-23 23:43:04Millers for Nutrition hosts National Training Program for Fortified Rice Blending Millers
Quetta, Balochistan – TechnoServe, in collaboration with Nutrition International and Pakistan Flour Mills Association, launched the Millers for Nutrition initiative in Balochistan Province. The event aimed to introduce the coalition to key stakeholders in the milling industry and promote food fortification efforts in the region.
The launch event featured key presentations by Mr. Rizwan Yusufali, Program Director at TechnoServe, and Mr. Zameer Haider, National Program Manager at Nutrition International. They emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to enhance nutritional standards and highlighted the benefits of the Millers for Nutrition coalition.
Mr. Yusufali presented a detailed outline of the coalition’s objectives and extended an invitation to millers across the province to engage in flour fortification initiatives. He addressed the importance of addressing malnutrition issues in Balochistan, where the situation is particularly concerning.
Mr. Haider provided a thorough overview of the Millers for Nutrition coalition and highlighted the benefits the industry would gain by joining this meaningful initiative.
The event was also graced by distinguished guests, including Professor Dr. Khalid Hafeez, Vice Chancellor of BUITEMS, who commended the initiative and emphasized the shared responsibility of addressing malnutrition issues.
Ms. Badruddin Kakar, Central Chairman of the Pakistan Flour Mills Association, expressed sincere gratitude to TechnoServe and Nutrition International for launching the initiative. He underscored the importance of food fortification as a cost-effective, high-impact intervention, reaffirming the industry’s unwavering commitment to producing fortified foods that improve the population’s micronutrient status.
The launch of the Millers for Nutrition coalition in Balochistan marks a pivotal step in strengthening collaboration among stakeholders in the milling industry and advancing fortification efforts in the region. The collective commitment of industry leaders signals promising prospects for improving public health through enhanced nutritional practices.
https://millersfornutrition.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7-1.jpg10681600Namrata Kainturahttps://millersfornutrition.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Millers-For-Nutrition_Core-Logo_Orange-White_RGB-2.svgNamrata Kaintura2024-12-20 13:54:312024-12-20 13:54:47Millers for Nutrition Coalition Launched in Balochistan, Pakistan to promote Food Fortification
Ahmedabad, December 19, 2024 – In a significant move to address micronutrient malnutrition, Gujarat Roller Flour Millers Association (GRFMA), Fortify Health, and Millers for Nutrition held a joint training workshop on “Wheat Flour Fortification” in Ahmedabad.
The event brought together stakeholders from the food industry, government, and civil society to discuss ways to promote wheat flour fortification and increase fortified staple products in the market.
A key highlight was the launch of fortified wheat flour by several key millers affiliated with GRFMA. The products will be available in SKUs of 5 to 50 kg in open markets. The fortified flour will help combat malnutrition for the nation’s population. According to the World Health Organization and the Global Hunger Index, approximately 35.5% of children under five are stunted, while 18.7% are wasted. Furthermore, in India, anaemia affects nearly 50% of women, 25% of men, and 67% of children under five, while 60% of the population suffers from vitamin D deficiency and 20% of adolescents lack sufficient vitamin A. Hence prioritizing nutrition is essential; a well-nourished workforce sustains effective human capital, economic growth, and social progress.
“We are committed to supporting this initiative, which has the potential to improve the health and well-being of millions of people in India,” said Mr. Vipul Rana, Designated Officer, Food Safety and Drug Administration.
The event featured presentations and interactive sessions with experts from the food industry, government, and civil society and offered millers an opportunity to share their experiences and challenges related to wheat flour fortification.
“Wheat flour fortification is a critical step towards combating micronutrient malnutrition in India,” said Mr. Ramesh Saraf, President, GRFMA. “We are committed to promoting this initiative and working with our partners to make fortified staple products widely available in the market.”
https://millersfornutrition.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/JIA_8876-scaled.jpg17032560Namrata Kainturahttps://millersfornutrition.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Millers-For-Nutrition_Core-Logo_Orange-White_RGB-2.svgNamrata Kaintura2024-12-20 13:14:262024-12-20 13:15:31Big News! Fortified Wheat Flour is now available in open markets!
ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA — Millers for Nutrition, a coalition of food fortification stakeholders, is now operating in Ethiopia.
The coalition, which has a presence in eight countries, said Ethiopia has made remarkable strides in improving nutrition over the past two decades, thanks to support from the Ethiopian government and effective health and agriculture extension systems.
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – December 2, 2024 –Millers for Nutrition, a coalition of food fortification stakeholders, officially launches in Ethiopia, marking a significant stride in the nation’s effort to combat malnutrition. Hosted by TechnoServe, the launch event will highlight the essential contributions of millers in enhancing public health through food fortification thereby improving Ethiopians’ health.
https://millersfornutrition.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/All-Strategic-Fortification-Partners-Millers-from-Nutrition-and-Bekele-Mekuria-Food-Beverage-Industry-Research-and-Development-Center-and-the-Ethiopian-government.jpg7841199Rue Mohamedhttps://millersfornutrition.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Millers-For-Nutrition_Core-Logo_Orange-White_RGB-2.svgRue Mohamed2024-12-11 13:34:342024-12-11 13:34:37Millers for Nutrition Initiative Launched to Tackle Malnutrition in Ethiopia
https://millersfornutrition.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/All-Strategic-Fortification-Partners-Millers-from-Nutrition-and-Bekele-Mekuria-Food-Beverage-Industry-Research-and-Development-Center-and-the-Ethiopian-government.jpg7841199Rue Mohamedhttps://millersfornutrition.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Millers-For-Nutrition_Core-Logo_Orange-White_RGB-2.svgRue Mohamed2024-12-11 13:25:272024-12-11 13:25:30Ethiopia boosts fight against malnutrition with ‘Millers for Nutrition’
https://millersfornutrition.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Millers-For-Nutrition_Core-Logo_Orange-White_RGB-2.svg00Namrata Kainturahttps://millersfornutrition.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Millers-For-Nutrition_Core-Logo_Orange-White_RGB-2.svgNamrata Kaintura2024-12-09 09:53:102024-12-09 09:56:48Training on edible oil fortification and quality assurance concludes in Pakistan
