NAIROBI, Kenya- Capwell Industries Limited, a Thika-based diversified food & beverage manufacturer, has announced the addition of essential vitamins and minerals to its existing Pearl Rice brands.
This enhancement, also known as fortification, is in line with Capwell’s purpose of enriching lives through nutrition that aims to reduce vitamin and mineral deficiencies among vulnerable groups like women and children in Kenya.
The 2011 Kenya National Micronutrient Survey found that many Kenyans lack essential nutrients like iron, folate, zinc, iodine, and vitamin A in their daily diets.
About 33pc of children aged 0.5-5 years and 42pc of pregnant women are anaemic.
Zinc deficiency affects 83pc of children in this age group and 68pc of pregnant women. Among non-pregnant girls aged 15-19 years, 32pc have folate deficiency, and 48pc have vitamin B12 deficiency.
To address this challenge, Capwell Industries Ltd has become the first manufacturer in Kenya to launch fortified rice in their prominent brand Pearl, Pishori and Super Basmati.
These two variants of Pearl rice will now be fortified with vitamins B6, Folic Acid, B12, iron, and zinc in all packets ranging from 1 to 10 kilograms.
Veronica Kirogo, Director of Nutrition and Dietetics Services at the Ministry of Health, highlighted Kenya’s triple burden of malnutrition, including undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and overnutrition.
She emphasized the Government’s commitment to eliminating malnutrition in line with global nutrition targets and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2, and the Kenya Kwanza manifesto pillar of Food Security.
Kirogo said that, “food fortification is one of the most cost-effective nutrition interventions for preventing and controlling micronutrient deficiencies. The Ministry is considering rice, the third most important cereal crop in Kenya with a per capita consumption of 28kg, as a potential vehicle for fortification.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends fortifying staple foods like rice to enhance micronutrient intake. Annual rice consumption is rising by 12pc due to changing eating habits, making fortification increasingly important.
As more people consume rice regularly, African markets are following the successful examples of wheat, maize flour, and salt fortification.
In his remarks, Capwell’s Chief Executive Officer, Rajan Shah, said, “Our fortified rice offers consumers more than just great taste and quality. It’s a source of essential micronutrients that are vital for health. By fortifying our Pearl Rice brands, we ensure that consumers, especially those who rely on rice as a staple, can easily incorporate these nutrients into their diets, without compromising on flavor, color, or shelf-life.”
In line with Kenya’s nutritional goals, Capwell Industries is committed to enriching lives through nutrition by delivering safe, nutritious, and high-quality products. With over 30 nutritious food products in its portfolio, the company aligns with the Kenya National Food Fortification Strategic Plan and Guidelines of 2018-2022. Additionally, Capwell’s ISO 22000 certification underscores its dedication to providing safe and healthy food options.
Lauren Landis, Country Director at the World Food Programme, commended Capwell for its leadership in rice fortification, emphasizing the positive impact on public health and economic standards. She advocated for the inclusion of fortified rice in school meal programs to further enhance public health outcomes.
Capwell’s efforts in rice fortification resonate with the standards set by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) and play a crucial role in preventing and controlling micronutrient deficiencies, ensuring better health for all Kenyans.
A policy brief on rice fortification was developed in 2023, and KEBS has drafted an East Africa Standard for rice fortification, awaiting adoption at the regional level.
