Abstract
Adequate complementary foods are needed to help reduce the high prevalence of stunting in children in many Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs). We assessed the availability, affordability, and nutrient adequacy of imported and locally produced processed cereal-based blends (PCBBs), marketed as complementary food for young children in Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Senegal. In total, 19 local producers and 275 points of sale in the four countries were surveyed to evaluate the quantities and accessibility of PCBBs. In addition, 32 PCBBs were analysed for their nutritional composition and packaging information. The results showed that only 7 out of 32 PCBBs could be classified as nutritionally satisfactory. Access to the products was insufficient in all surveyed settings. At the points of sale, the PCBB market was dominated by imported products, even though two out of four imported PCBBs were not nutritionally satisfactory. Imported PCBBs were two to three times more expensive than locally produced PCBBs. Labelling of the PCBBs was inadequate in many aspects. Technical support should be offered to local PCBB producers to ensure the adequate formulation and supply of an appropriate vitamin and mineral premix. The development of national specific regulations on PCBB composition and labelling is strongly recommended in these countries.
Highlights
Recent anthropometric data on young children in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs) show that the prevalence of chronic malnutrition or stunting increases drastically from the age of three months up to 24 months [1]
The questionnaire administered to producers aimed at collecting information on the raw materials or ingredients used, the manufacturing processes and the standards used, the average quantities of processed cereal-based blends (PCBBs) produced, and any difficulties encountered in production
Questions asked of the points of sale (POS) focused on the brand of PCBB sold and the prices
Summary
Recent anthropometric data on young children in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs) show that the prevalence of chronic malnutrition or stunting increases drastically from the age of three months up to 24 months [1]. Despite a decrease in prevalence from 42% in 1990 to 34% in 2013 in sub-Saharan Africa, the actual number of children under five with stunting is still increasing because of population growth [2]. One of the conditions required to prevent stunting and its critical consequences is to meet the daily nutritional requirements of young children by introducing adequate complementary foods, starting at the age of six months, and using appropriate complementary feeding practices, while pursuing breastfeeding up to the age of 24 months [4,5].
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