The Department of Nutrition and Food Safety (NFS) is launching its new guideline on fortification of edible oils and fats with vitamins A and D for public health. The guideline provides clear, evidence-informed, and locally adaptable recommendations on the fortification of edible oils and fats with vitamins A and D as a strategy to improve the vitamin A and D and health status of populations.
/nutrition-and-food-safety-(nfs)/multisectoral-action-in-food-systems-(afs)/guideline-on-fortification-launch-flyer.tmb-768v.png?sfvrsn=c1557cc5_1 "Guideline on fortification launch flyer")
Vitamin A deficiency remains a leading cause of preventable blindness in children and also increases the risks of severe illness or death from infections. Vitamin D deficiency has become a public health concern, particularly in regions with insufficient sunshine or with sun avoidance behaviours that prevent or impede dermal synthesis, and infrequent access to or intake of dietary sources of vitamin D. Fortification of edible oils and fats with vitamins A and D is widely implemented as a feasible and practical public health intervention to improve intake of these vitamins.
The implementation of this guideline should align with WHO recommendations on healthy diets, including guidance on saturated fatty acids, trans-fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which aim to reduce the risk of unhealthy diets and diet-related noncommunicable diseases.
Join us at the virtual launch event, which will discuss the recommendations and implementation considerations. The webinar is intended for a wide audience, including policy-makers, expert advisers, and technical and programme staff in ministries and organizations involved in the design, implementation and scale-up of nutrition actions for public health.