SOUTH AFRICA: MANDATORY FORTIFICATION OF STAPLE FOODS

Following extensive consultation with the public health, medical and scientific community as well as the milling industry and consumer groups, the Department of Health is set to publish draft legislation in the next few months with final legislation planned for very early 2002 regarding the mandatory fortification of wheat flour and maize meal. Fortification is cost effective strategy to address alarming and widespread deficiencies in critical vitamins and minerals throughout the South African population.