Nigerian health coalition warns against fortifying ultra-processed foods, citing NCD risks

A coalition of Nigerian public health advocates has sounded a critical alarm regarding the nation's food fortification strategy, urging the government to pivot away from using ultra-processed foods. While acknowledging fortification's role in combating micronutrient deficiencies, often termed 'hidden hunger,' the advocates, including Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), argue that this approach risks exacerbating Nigeria's escalating non-communicable diseases (NCDs) burden.

Akinbode Oluwafemi, executive director of CAPPA, pointed out a significant policy contradiction: the government's simultaneous efforts to reduce sodium consumption while fortifying high-sodium, ultra-processed products like seasonings. This, he warned, could mislead consumers into believing these products are healthier, potentially encouraging overconsumption and undermining public health goals.

Jerome Mafeni, technical adviser at the Network for Health Equity and Development (NHED), echoed these concerns, emphasizing that ultra-processed foods lack the essential fiber, antioxidants, and protective compounds found in traditional Nigerian diets. The coalition's stance underscores a growing global debate on the best methods for nutritional enhancement, advocating for strategies that prioritize wholesome foods over processed alternatives to safeguard public health.

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The government cannot, in one policy, be saying we are reducing sodium consumption and, on the other hand, fortifying sodium-based ultra-processed food.