Replacing Industrially Produced Trans Fatty Acids in Nigeria, a B2B initiative

The SUN Business Network (SBN)/Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) are conducting a pilot project with the International Food and Beverage Alliance (IFBA) to support the replacement of industrially produced trans fatty acids (iTFA) by local companies in Nigeria and Pakistan. In the framework of this project, SBN/GAIN organised a workshop in Lagos, Nigeria on 29th October 2019. The workshop gathered more than 40 representatives from local companies, members of IFBA (multinational companies), civil society and government.

The meeting focused on:

1. Defining iTFA
2. Explaining why iTFA needs to be replaced
3. Describing the role of relevant stakeholders in iTFA in the Nigerian food supply chain
4. Exploring what technologies are available for Nigerian companies
5. Lessons learned from other countries on iTFA replacement
6. Reviewing ongoing efforts to regulate iTFA in Nigeria including laboratory capacity.

The participants benefitted from the expertise of the Nigerian National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), IFBA’s Secretary General and Ferrero’s Director of Nutrition and Sustainability.

The workshop looked at iTFA replacement solutions that are both feasible and affordable for Nigerian companies and is a first step in removing iTFA in Nigeria. With these solutions businesses can make changes to provide healthier products. Fighting malnutrition is not just for health, it is good for business.