After five years of collaboration with the Rwandan Government and local industries, PHC is pleased to announce that MINIMEX, Rwanda’s largest maize flour producer, has launched its first fortified maize flour product. The morning of June 7th marked a historic moment for the country as this nation’s first bags of fortified maize flour were loaded into trucks to be taken to Rwanda’s Agricultural Exposition and later on to distributors throughout the country.
MINIMEX will be fortifying 15% of their flour, with the goal of fortifying all their products by the time the Fortification Decree is in place. Driven partially by the upcoming legislation and partly by the demand from the market (i.e. schools and the World Food program), fortified flour promises to significantly impact the country’s high rates of micronutrient malnutrition. Once legislation is passed, all maize and wheat flour, cooking oil, and sugar producers in Rwanda will be required to add essential vitamins and minerals to their products, just as MINIMEX is doing.
Simultaneously on June 7th, in Arusha, Tanzania, Rwanda’s food fortification standards were officially validated by the East African Community. This important milestone further solidifies the program and ensures that Rwanda’s fortification program (including imported and exported products) is in alignment with regional standards and expectations.