Sugar fortification in Zambia

Abstract

Food fortification as a strategy for controlling vitamin A deficiency was mooted in Zambia way back when a technical committee was formed following a multisectoral workshop to explore possible food vehicles for vitamin A fortification. The choice of sugar as a vehicle was that it was centrally produced and therefore easy to subject to quality control. Moreover, more than 50% of the households consumed sugar. This initiative was explored with the private firm Zambia Sugar Plc, who saw it as a challenge for them to demonstrate their social responsibility to the public. This marked the beginning of a long-term partnership between the private and public sectors in Zambia. The initiative entailed embracing new technology, securing new equipment, and retraining and orienting staff from both the private and public sectors on the fortification process. Nothing was left to chance. While the orientations were ongoing, the legal framework to govern the standards of the new product was developed. These standards centered on its quality, safety, and labeling. The opinions of the beneficiaries of the fortification program were sought. Most welcomed the idea except for some concern about the added costs, possible toxicity, and accessibility of the new product. The education campaigns addressed these and other concerns.