A comprehensive sector-wide training workshop on Edible Oil Fortification and Quality Assurance concluded successfully today at the Serena Hotel, Peshawar. The event brought together approximately 35 millers from across the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to enhance their knowledge and skills in edible oil fortification, with a special focus on quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and addressing industry challenges.
The workshop was organized by Nutrition International in collaboration with TechnoServe and the Millers for Nutrition (M4N) initiative. It aimed to strengthen the edible oil sector’s capacity to combat micronutrient deficiencies in Pakistan through Miller for Nutrition initatives. The sessions, led by distinguished trainers, industry experts, and food scientists from universities, highlighted best practices in fortification, quality standards, and testing methodologies.
A key highlight of the event was the address by Miss Fatima Shoaib Khan, Executive Member of the Pakistan Vanaspati Manufacturers’ Association (PVMA), who attended as the Chief Guest. In her speech, Miss Fatima expressed her commitment to supporting the edible oil industry and pledged full cooperation with Nutrition International to enhance industry standards to address micronutrient deficiencies. She emphasized the critical role of fortified edible oil in reducing vitamin A and D deficiencies in Pakistan and encouraged millers to actively participate in initiatives led by international development partners like M4N.
The agenda included informative sessions on the objectives and approach of the Millers for Nutrition program, strategies to support millers and their products at both national and international levels, and best practices for sample collection and testing to ensure the products meet standards set by the regulatory bodies. Other key presenters included Mr. Imtiaz Ali Shah, Provincial Program Manager, Nutrition International KP; Prof. Dr. Yasir Durrani, Department of Food Sciences, University of Agriculture Peshawar; and Dr. Atta Ullah Jan, Department of Human Nutrition, Bacha Khan University, Charsadda. Their presentations provided valuable insights to deepen participants’ understanding of edible food fortification and other food safety and quality aspects to be considered during fortification process.
Participants were also introduced to the M4N Platform, a collective initiative designed to offer technical support and address challenges in achieving large-scale food fortification. Millers were encouraged to register on the platform to access training opportunities, technical guidance, and resources for regulatory compliance.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by NI Provincial Manager Mr. Imtiaz Ali Shah, followed by a certificate distribution ceremony and a group photo.
This training represents another milestone in Nutrition International’s ongoing efforts to elevate food fortification standards and contribute to the nutritional well-being of communities across Pakistan.
