Dina Food leads Ethiopia’s wheat flour fortification drive
DINA’s fortification initiative is supported by Sanku, a global non-profit specializing in micronutrient fortification
ETHIOPIA – Dina Food Processing (DINA), one of Ethiopia’s leading flour millers, has commenced full fortification of its wheat flour products, now reaching more than 500,000 people.
The move marks a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to combat malnutrition, particularly among vulnerable groups.
The announcement was made during a media sensitization briefing held in Addis Ababa, organized to raise awareness about the critical role of food fortification in public health.
DINA’s fortification initiative is supported by Sanku, a global non-profit specializing in micronutrient fortification. Sanku equips millers with smart dosing technology that ensures precise and cost-effective addition of essential vitamins and minerals, without raising the cost of flour for consumers.
According to the Ethiopian Public Health Institute, 39% of children under five suffer from stunting, 22% are underweight, and 11% are wasted due to malnutrition, alarming figures that underline the urgency of such interventions.
This strategic development directly supports Ethiopia’s National Food Fortification Program (NFFP), launched on August 31, 2024.
The program mandates the fortification of key staple foods such as wheat flour, edible oil, and salt and is spearheaded jointly by the Ministry of Industry and the Ministry of Health. It aims to address the country’s persistent challenges with micronutrient deficiencies and malnutrition-related diseases.
By enriching wheat flour with critical nutrients such as iron, folic acid, and B-vitamins, DINA is improving the nutritional profile of a widely consumed staple and helping to reduce deficiencies across the population.
The initiative also aligns with the Millers for Nutrition program, launched in Ethiopia in December 2024. This program is a collaborative platform that brings together local and international stakeholders to support millers through technical assistance and sustainable fortification practices.
Further strengthening the regulatory framework, the Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority (EFDA) has drafted new guidelines requiring all edible oil and flour manufacturers to fortify their products with essential vitamins and minerals and register them with the authority.
Speaking at the forum recently, Negash Sime, Deputy Director General of EFDA’s Food Sector, emphasized the life-saving importance of micronutrients.
“Micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals play a crucial role in growth, immune function, and digestion. Through these guidelines, we aim to ensure that essential nutrients are incorporated into staple food products, benefiting millions of consumers,” he stated.
Sign up to HERE receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
