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Statement on Super Cereal quality issue

ROME – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has identified stocks of Super Cereal - a fortified blended food used in its food assistance programmes - that is too low in protein and fat to meet normal specifications. There is no issue with the safety of the product, which is provided by a commercial supplier.

On discovering the problem, WFP commissioned an independent analysis of protein, fat, and micronutrient levels in Super Cereal from the supplier to understand the extent of the quality issue. WFP then initiated an investigation by its Office of the Inspector General to understand whether the quality issue was caused by operational error, negligence, or fraudulent behaviour. 

As this investigation is still underway, WFP is not in a position to discuss its findings.  Once the investigation is complete, WFP management will decide what action should be taken.

Testing of the product found that while the food fell short of what was specified in WFP’s contract with the company, it still provided a significant contribution to meeting the World Health Organisation’s recommended intake of protein, vitamins and minerals for the general population and school aged children.  

The quality issue was first noted in June 2018 while WFP was investigating a localized problem with the condition of some Super Cereal not related to protein/fat levels. 

Topics

Supply Chain Nutrition

Contact

For more information please contact (email address: firstname.lastname@wfp.org):

Frances Kennedy, WFP/Rome, Tel. +39 06 6513 3725 Mob. +39 346 7600806

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