The signing ceremony for the agreement between China and GAIN
on food fortification is held in Beijing
（for immediate release）

China and GAIN (Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition, based in Geneva) signed an agreement on food fortification on October 17, 2003. In an effort to improve micronutrient nutrition of China's population in western region, Chinese government will soon launch two food fortification programs, namely, wheat flour and soy sauce fortification. Recognizing China's programs an important part of global efforts to combat malnutrition, GAIN will provide 3 million US dollar to each program. The programs will cover 60 millions population for flour program and 300 millions for soy sauce program. GAIN awarded China two grants out of 15 requests from around the world. The GAIN' fund will be mainly used for building quality control system, education and training.

Food fortification is an important strategy to improve nutrition status that in turn enhance people's health and immunity and help prevent the chronic diseases, such as cardinal vascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, orbity and cancers. Many countries launched their food fortification programs since middle of last centuary and laws and regulations for fortification have been well established. In recent years, China's public nutrition improvement project consisting of NDRC, MOH and State Grain Administration launched fortification trial projects on wheat flour, soy sauce, rice and complementary food and related social advocacy projects. The projects have made substantial progress and attracted more and more attentions home and abroad.

Public nutrition will be one of deciding factors in China's effort to build well-off society and essential to achieve more equitable and balanced development. The agreement is a big push for China's nutrition improvement efforts.