(OR12-05-25) Regulatory Framework for Complementary Foods in West Africa

Objectives: In Africa, available data on the regulatory framework for complementary foods remain scarce. The aim of the study was to analyze the current legislative and regulatory framework for complementary foods in West Africa.

Methods: A literature review was carried out in six countries (Benin, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal and Togo). Standard documents were collected from websites of ministries and national, sub-regional or regional regulation structures. The data collected on standards included the regulatory authority, the scope, the requirements in terms of labelling, nutritional or hygienic quality. The standards were assessed against Codex and World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for infants and young children feeding (IYCF).

Results: Five standards were collected: two at regional level (NS G UEMOA 0002 and NS ECOSTAND 068) and three at national level (Mali: MN-01-03/009; Niger: NN-01-010-002, and Senegal: NS 03: 0172). Benin, Mauritania and Togo did not have standards. Four out of five standards focused on infant flour, one addressed baby foods (NS ECOSTAND 068) while none covered other categories such as snacks or dairy products. All standards covered nutritional composition, hygiene and labeling, but were non-mandatory. Standards were all adapted versions of international Codex standards (CODEX STAN 074-1981, CXS 073-1981, CAC/GL 8-1991) which permit the addition of sugar for infant flour while the WHO recommends not adding sugar or sweeteners to any infant product formulations. Moreover, Codex sets a maximum sodium content of 200 mg/100 g for baby foods and 100 mg/100 kcal for infant flour, while WHO sets a maximum of 50 mg/100 kcal. However, none of the standards examined addressed the issue of added sugar and were more aligned with Codex’s sodium thresholds. Gaps in labeling were observed in all five standards, including a lack of recommendations on claims, age labels and messages promoting breastfeeding.

Conclusions: Most regional and national standards in West Africa are non-mandatory, mainly focused on infant flour and do not fully integrate international recommendations aimed at reducing nutrients of concern and supporting appropriate promotion of foods IYC. The development of regional standards is necessary to meet the specific nutritional needs of children aged between 6 and 36 months.

Funding Sources: UNICEF