RECORDER REPORT

SIALKOT: Pakistan’s Food Fortification Programme (FFP) was launched in Punjab by the Head of the UK’s Department of International Development (DFID) on Thursday. The launching ceremony was held in Lahore to celebrate the start of edible oil, ghee and wheat flour food fortification in Punjab.

Joanna Reid, Head of DFID Pakistan, visited the Data Flour Mill to inaugurate the equipment. A delegation of Punjab government, British High Commission and Food Fortification Programme officials also attended the ceremony. Speaking on the occasion, DFID Head Joanna Reid said, “UK is committed to working with Pakistan to tackle the nutrition emergency. Over 37 million Pakistanis are not getting enough food and this hits women and girls hardest. Vision 2025 is the government’s pledge to make nutrition a priority – it matters for the health of the nation and for Pakistan’s future prosperity.”

The Food Fortification Programme aims to improve the production, access and consumption of wheat flour fortified with iron, folic acid, vitamin B12 and zinc, and edible oil and ghee fortified with vitamins A and D.

Addressing the ceremony, Food Minister Bilal Yaseen said, “I can assure you that food fortification programme is an excellent initiative for our province and we pledge complete support of the Punjab government and the Punjab Food Authority for the programme. We are on the road map to effectively reduce malnutrition in Pakistan in partnership with DFID.”