Findings from GAIN/SBN pilot project for the elimination of industrially produced trans fatty acids (iTFA) in Nigeria and Pakistan

From mid-2019 to mid-2020, the SUN Business Network (SBN)/Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), with the support of Resolve to Save Lives, an initiative of Vital Strategies, has conducted a pilot project to promote the replacement of iTFA by local businesses in Nigeria and Pakistan. The project was a business-to-business initiative aiming to leverage the expertise of the International Food and Beverage Alliance (IFBA) in iTFA replacement.

The project included the following key activities:

• Research on iTFA consumption and in-country replacement solutions.
• Organization of multiple iTFA replacement workshops with input from members of the International Food and Beverage Alliance.
• Support to companies for the identification/implementation of iTFA replacement solutions.

To ensure elimination of iTFA from the global food supply by 2023, this report – based on assessments conducted in two countries – includes the following business-to-business and technical assistance recommendations:

• Provide more targeted and specific technical assistance to SMEs based on their products’ categories (edible fats and oils, bakeries, and food manufacturers).
• Consider use of pre-recorded, virtual training accessible at any time by SMEs.
• Schedule opportunities for follow-up technical assistance and support after initial training.
• Create networking opportunities for local SMEs to connect and exchange ideas on iTFA elimination.

Building on the findings of this project, SBN will seek to support more SMEs eliminate iTFA across its national networks.

The findings of the overall GAIN/SBN pilot project on trans fat elimination are detailed in this report: Findings from GAIN/SBN pilot project on iTFA elimination in Nigeria and Pakistan.

For any questions about GAIN/SBN pilot project on iTFA elimination in Nigeria and Pakistan and about this report, please contact Laurene Aubert, SBN Global Partnerships Manager, laubert@gainhealth.org