Morocco moves to enrich edible oil with vitamins a and d3

The Moroccan government and the professional association of edible oil manufacturers (APFHMTR) signed on Thursday a framework agreement providing for the enrichment of edible oil with Vitamin A and D3.

The health ministry has set the quantities of vitamin A and D3 to be supplemented to oil at 30IU (international units) of vitamin A per gram and 3IU/G of Vitamin D3.

The move, part of the Kingdom's comprehensive and integrated strategy to reduce diseases induced by deficiencies in micronutrients, seeks to reduce Vitamin A-avitaminosis (diseases caused by deficiency in Vit. A), cut the prevalence of Iron deficiency-induced anaemia (sideroprivic) and ensure a permanent supply of Vitamin D. It targets most vulnerable populations, mainly children and pregnant and breast-feeding women.

The strategy also includes food education and the enrichment of other widely-consumed foods.

The edible oil manufacturers is paying for the costs resulting from the added substances.

Before the enriched edible oil is put on sale in the coming weeks, the health ministry will stage a media campaign to highlight the importance of eating rich and enriched products which will be marketed with a special label as it is done with iodine-supplemented salt.