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 Kenya: Rapid Results Initiatives: Kenya Fortifies Edible Fats and
Oils
The launch of vitamin A fortified fats, oils and the new
fortification logo took place on the 1st of March 2007 in Kenya. This event was
well attended by senior officials from the Kenyan government (Ministry of
Health, Trade and Industry, Kenya Medical Research Institute and Kenya Bureau
of Standards) and also included industry representatives.
The activities culminating in this prestigious event were
spearheaded by the Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) and began 130 days ago, in
order to fast track progress in Kenya for the adoption and implementation of
food fortification activities.
The RRI team oversaw the successful development and approval of
standards for fortifying edible oils with vitamin A which will assist in making
sure that all edible oils produced will have adequate vitamin A and can be
certified with the new fortification logo. The event received coverage from
local and international media houses notably the Kenyan Daily Nation paper.
The strong support for endorsement of food fortification
activities is also supported by organizations like the Micronutrient Initiative
and UNICEF.
Three foods which met the certification criteria were launched and
Bidco Oil Refineries Ltd is the first company in Kenya to have its fortified
products certified as compliant with food fortification standards. Now Kenyans
are guaranteed access to edible oils that are adequately fortified with vitamin
A. This is an important first step towards eliminating vitamin A deficiency in
children and women in Kenya and will contribute to reducing the number of
children dying from unnecessarily infections, due to inadequate vitamin A in
their diets.
Click here to
download the Daily Nation Advertorial in Adobe PDF.
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