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The National Committee for Food Fortification (CONFAM) will start overseeing the mandatory fortification of food at the end of this month, CONFAM coordinator Eduarda Mungoi told representatives of the Ministry of Health, the National Inspection of Economic Activities (INAE), the Ministry of Economy and Finance (Customs) in Maputo on Friday.
AIM reports that the purpose of the meeting was to signal to the industrial sector and the general public the withdrawal from sale of all non-fortified products in Mozambique by 31 March.
“There has been more than enough industry training and partner intervention to adjust the equipment needed for this purpose,” Mungoi said, adding that about 43 industries operating in the country had been equipped over the last two years. “We think they can go it alone now, but in close collaboration with us as facilitators.”
Mungoi explained that the government had approved customs exemptions for industries that imported food-fortifying equipment. “All this has helped make fortification compulsory.”
Mungoi acknowledged the existence of fortified products without the packaging bearing the logo. “The idea is to find solutions to this type of situation,” she said.
Mungoi said that INAE has been carrying out supervision routinely, in particular in regard to the quality of products. “Fortification will be another element of INAE’s activity.”
Regarding imported products, Mungoi said the Tax Authority, which controls imports, had issued guidelines in 2017 governing the mandatory fortification of cooking oil, flour, sugar and salt, among other products.
Food fortification is aimed at preventing health problems related to chronic malnutrition caused by deficiency of vitamins and minerals such as folic acid, vitamin B12 and zinc. The consumption of fortified foods is especially recommended for children under five years of age and women of childbearing age.
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