About 70% of the food available in the Mozambican market meets the quality standards required for food fortification, according to Eduarda Mungoi, national coordinator of the Food Fortification Program (CONFAM).
According to the Mozambique Information Agency, this data was presented on Thursday, October 24, in Maputo, during a workshop sharing the results of the Pull Strategy project, which monitors the market through civil society organizations.
Eduarda Mungoi stated that all samples collected from markets and supermarkets showed signs of fortification, with only 70% being adequately fortified. The study covered products such as wheat flour, cooking oil, sugar, and salt in the provinces of Maputo, Sofala, and Nampula.
“Some products, whether domestic or imported, showed fortification levels below the required standards, but this variation of about 30% demonstrates that the industry has been increasing its efforts,” emphasized the CONFAM coordinator.
She also noted that the recent revision of the Food Fortification Decree, approved by the Council of Ministers on October 14, will allow better alignment with the current decentralization context, accelerating program implementation. The event included participation from several civil society organizations, such as the Foundation for Community Development (FDC) and Pro-Consumers – Association for Consumer Study and Protection, which collaborated in data collection.
For Alexandre Bacião, executive director of Pro-Consumers, this study helps ensure consumers’ rights to health, life, and product quality: “We are pleased to participate in this joint effort to guarantee a safer food market,” he said.
The UNICEF representative, Lara Machuama, highlighted the importance of fortification in combating nutritional deficiencies, particularly among children and vulnerable populations. “This type of monitoring allows us to identify gaps, strengthen oversight, and support producers in improving their processes,” she stated.
The study, conducted with technical support from the Food Fortification Initiative (FFI) and UNICEF, reinforces the need for coordination between the government, civil society, and the private sector to ensure more nutritious and safe food for all Mozambicans.
Source: Diário Económico
