Firm Urges Industries, States to Adopt Indigenous MNP

Bio-Organics Nutrient Systems Limited, foremost indigenous manufacturer of micro-nutrient powder, has urged industries, states and mothers across the country to adopt the made-in-Nigeria food fortification powder, Enrich, to fight against malnutrition.

Bio-Organics Limited, a supplier of vitamins and minerals premixes to food and beverage industries in Nigeria and to other ECOWAS countries, recently delivered one million sachets of the Enrich MNP to Benue State government as part of efforts of the state aimed at tackling malnutrition.

The state government purchased and launched the MNP in order to fortify 86, 000 children between age of 6 months and 59 months during the Maternal New-born and Child Health Weeks (MNCHWs) of December 2013 and May 2014.

Speaking at the launch recently, Dr. Kenny Acholonu, chief executive officer, Bio-Organics Nutrients Systems Limited,  noted that “most complementary and staple foods lack sufficient amounts of vitamins and minerals required for optimal growth and development of children, especially in the first 1000 days of life.

But, with the use of Enrich as part of their food, these essential micronutrients will be supplied in sufficient quantities.

“We, therefore, want to use this opportunity to urge mothers to adopt MNP as part of their children’s feeding routine and use them according to the instructions of the health workers. Doing this diligently, will enhance the health, growth and development of the children, which will favourably complement the efforts of the state and all the stakeholders involved,” he said.

Dr. Acholonu also commended Benue State for being the first state in Nigeria to combat malnutrition in Nigeria with the indigenous micro-nutrient food supplement.

He said, “We hereby congratulate the government of Benue State on this laudable initiative of being the first state in Nigeria to adopt MNP as a preventive health intervention for the children and mothers of this great state. Benue State has set a commendable platform for other states to emulate.”

Dr Orduen Abunku, Benue State commissioner of Health,  said that the state government had to provide micro-nutrient powder for the fortification of food for children in the state because they are prone to malnutrition. He also thanked Bio-Organics Limited, adding that the partnership will benefit children who are the future of the state.

A sachet of MNP contains 15 micronutrients that are supposed to be added to the food of a child at the point of consumption.

Bio-Organics Limited has strategically positioned itself to deliver Micro nutrient powders (MNPs) of the best global standards by acquiring new machineries with production capacity of over 2 million MNP sachets per month.