Ouagadougou: The Burkinabe Agency for Standardization, Metrology and Quality (ABNORM) has announced the availability of guides on standards and best practices for the production of fortified infant flours in national languages. This initiative, revealed on Tuesday in Ouagadougou, aims to inform stakeholders involved in the production process.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the workshop’s objective is to raise awareness among those involved in the production of fortified infant flours about the newly available guides in Moor©, Dioula, and Fulfulde. Oumarou Ky, a representative of the Director General of ABNORM, emphasized that understanding and applying these standards and practices have been inadequate. The workshop is a strategic move to inform stakeholders about these critical resources.
Ky highlighted the role of the World Food Programme (WFP) in supporting ABNORM’s efforts. The technical and financial support from WFP has been instrumental in developing the standards necessary to ensure quality nutrition for infants. Antonio Salort-Pons, WFP’s Deputy Country Director, pointed out the collaborative effort needed between ABNORM, the Ministry of Health’s General Directorate of Nutrition, and the private sector to combat malnutrition and improve the quality of infant flour for better child health.
The initiative aligns with national priorities, particularly those outlined in the Multisectoral Strategic Nutrition Plan, aiming to reduce undernutrition, combat micronutrient deficiencies, and enhance food safety. Berthrand Ou©draogo, representing the Consumer League, expressed gratitude towards ABNORM for their efforts. He noted that having the standards in national languages ensures better understanding and application at the local level, enabling producers to create high-quality flour for children.