Fiber-rich bread: Follow-up meeting in Ben Arous to examine blockages

A crucial working session convened in Ben Arous, Tunisia, focused on overcoming the challenges hindering the implementation of a vital public health initiative: the widespread availability of fiber-rich bread. This meeting underscored the government's commitment to improving citizens' nutrition through enhanced food policies, specifically targeting subsidized bread, a staple for many Tunisians.

The core of the discussion revolved around a joint ministerial decision from April 2, 2026. This decision mandates an increase in the flour extraction rate from 78% to 85%, a change designed to produce a more nutritious, fiber-rich flour. Consequently, bakeries are expected to transition to offering this healthier option for subsidized bread. The meeting aimed to assess the progress of this rollout, identify bottlenecks, and ensure compliance across the region.

Tunisian authorities, represented by various directorates and concerned bodies, engaged in a detailed analysis of the practical difficulties encountered. Issues such as supply chain disruptions, logistical hurdles, and the slow adoption rate by some bakeries were brought to the forefront. The importance of this initiative, both for public health due to the nutritional benefits of fiber-rich bread and for its economic implications, was repeatedly emphasized. The discussions highlighted a collaborative approach, involving input from health, commerce, and grain office representatives, to diagnose dysfunctions and devise solutions. The outcome stressed the need for national-level follow-up and communication with relevant ministries to address the regional problems and activate the decision nationwide.

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this session had for its purpose to evaluate the respect of the application of the joint decision of the Minister of Agriculture, Water Resources and Fisheries and the Minister of Commerce and Export Development.