ECOWAS Advances Fight Against Malnutrition With New Food Fortification Standards
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has taken a significant step forward in the regional fight against malnutrition, as experts and stakeholders gathered in Praia, Cape Verde, for a crucial session of the ECOWAS Technical Committee for Standards Management (TMC).
With support from UNICEF, the committee reviewed and adopted updated regional standards for fortified foods including iodised salt, vegetable oils, and wheat flour.
These standards form part of ECOWAS’s broader effort to combat malnutrition under its Common Industrial Policy (PICAO) and the ECOSHAM harmonisation framework.
Participants also agreed on a restructuring of several sectoral technical committees to strengthen regional coordination and implementation.
Speaking at the session, ECOWAS Industry Director Lassané Kaboré highlighted the strategic role of food fortification in improving public health and boosting the region’s economic resilience.
UNICEF also reiterated its commitment to child nutrition, emphasising the life-saving impact of fortified foods.
The meeting was widely seen as a vital milestone towards ensuring safer, more nutritious, and accessible food for West African communities.
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