Stakeholders cautioned not to buy or sell unfortified products during a workshopon May 22.

Following close to two years of sensitisation of stakeholders on the importance and necessity of fortifying selected foods, government is willing to take the measures to another level. During a workshop in Douala on May 22, government representatives from the Ministry of Public health, Trade and Mines, Industries and Technological Development revealed now is the time to enforce the enriching of the foods.

They said stakeholders (producers, importers, wholesalers and retailers) had up to December 2011 to comply. The year 2012, they said, is dedicated to implement all measures regarding food fortification. Thus defaulters will face sanctions like seizures and other penalties.

Those present at the workshop are stakeholders from sectors like bakeries, supermarkets, stalls as well as importers, wholesalers and retailers. They were enlightened on how to identify fortified foods, especially through their specific logo visible on the packaging.

The workshop, whose objective was to raise awareness and disseminate information about new requirements on fortified foods in Cameroon, was organised in collaboration of the Helen Keller International, an organisation that has been facilitating such sessions since government relaunched its food fortification programme. Some 500-1000 controllers will soon be deployed around markets. Sellers who trade products yet unfortified will face repressive measures through seizures and sanctions, according to David Tsegui, Regional Trade Delegate for the Littoral.

Food fortification is one of many strategies that Cameroon is using to fight against deficiencies in vitamins and minerals. These strategies form an integrated effort to improve the nutritional status of the population.

Fortified food is food to which has been added some additional nutrients or nutrients normally not contained in it, to improve its nutritional value or to prevent vitamin A, iron, iodine and other micronutrient deficiencies.

Foods fortified include wheat flour with iron, vitamin B12, folic acid and zinc, refined cooking oil enriched with vitamin A and cooking salt enriched with iodine.