NAFDAC, GAIN to check malnutrition

Worried by the growing level of malnutrition particularly among infants, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) have teamed up to tackle the issue with food fortification.

This strategy was unveiled at a two-day joint regulatory agencies retreat on food fortification organized by the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) in Kaduna.

The Country Director of GAIN, Dr Michael Ojo, noted with dismay the absence of fortified foods for majority of the citizens, especially in poorer countries, including Nigeria.

Dr Ojo, who was represented by the Project Manager of GAIN, Dr Augustine Okoruwa, disclosed that the organisation has been helping to fortify many types of foods with vital vitamins in the past 12 years and would continue to do more in the years ahead so as to address the challenges posed by malnutrition to the citizens.

Also former NAFDAC DirectorGeneral, Ademola Andrew Magbojuri, said the agency would continue to collaborate with development partners to promote the consumption of fortified foods.

He explained that fortification enhances quality of food by adding vital minerals and vitamins in minute quantities needed by the body; the absence of which causes micronutrient deficiencies. the