COMMITTEE REPORT ON FOOD FORTIFICATION REGULATIONS, 2024

PARLIAMENT OF KINGDOM OF LESOTHO

SENATE

LEGISLATION COMMITTEE

REPORT ON FOOD FORTIFICATION (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS, 2024

REPORT N0: 5                                                                                  MARCH 2026

PART I

  1. INTRODUCTION

Food Fortification Regulations, 2024 was referred to the Committee on 11th September 2025 and subsequently referred to the Legislation Committee. Pursuant to Standing Order 51 (3), the Regulations were then referred to the Legislation Committee for consideration.

The report presents a summary of the Committees deliberations and recommendations on the Regulations.

1.1 TERMS OF REFERENCE

The terms of reference of the Legislation Committee are provided as follows in Standing Orders (90):

  • There shall be established under this Standing Order a Legislation Committee which shall continue for the term of the Senate.
  • The Legislation Committee shall, in accordance with these Standing Orders:-
  • Consider bills, subordinate laws tabled in accordance with section 27A of the Interpretation Act No. 19 of 1977 as amended, or other matters which are referred to it by the President or by resolution of the Senate;
  • Consider and investigate the constitutionality, legality, conflicting provisions and offensiveness of bills or subordinate laws or any provision thereof; and
  • Perform other functions, tasks and duties as may be resolved by the Senate.
  • The Legislation Committee may:-
  • Call for papers, hear oral evidence, which may, by resolution of the committee, be recorded and transcribed;
  • Consult and liaise with Government ministries and departments;
  • Ensure the attendance of any person at a meeting of the committee in terms of the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Act of 1994; and
  • Establish sub-committees
  • Upon conclusion of business laid down for their consideration, the legislation Committee must adopt a report and may make recommendations to the Senate which shall then take final decisions.

2.0 COMPOSITION OF THE LEGISLATION COMMITTEE

1.       Hon. Senator S. Motsamai                        Chairperson

2.       Hon. Senator K.L.K. Theko

3.       Hon. Senator B.G.  Api

4.       Hon. Senator M. Kanetsi

5.       Hon. Senator Dr. T. Lebese

6.       Hon. Senator L.M.  Seeiso

7.       Hon. Senator M.M. Moshoeshoe

8.       Hon. Senator T. D.  Bereng

9.       Hon. Senator P.L.P.  Peete

10.     Hon. Senator S.B. Seeiso

11.     Hon. Senator L. Khoaele

12.     Hon. Senator M.T Mohale

13.     Hon. Senator J.A. Motśoene

14.     Hon. Senator S.S. Nkuebe

3.0 SECRETARIAT

Ms. ‘Maliako Lehloenya                               Committee Clerk

Mr. Steven Mokoaqo                          Committee Clerk

Mrs. ‘Maseephephe Matete (Adv.)       Chief Legal Officer

Mr. Tsěliso Papiso (Adv.)                   Legal officer

4.0 OPERATIONS OF THE COMMITTEE

The Committee reviews the Bills referred from the National Assembly in line Standing Order 51 and Subordinate laws referred in accordance with Section 27B of the Interpretation (Amendment)  Act  1994 No. 4 of 1993.

PART II

5.0 BRIEF BY STAKEHOLDER

On Wednesday, 12th November 2025, the Committee invited the Prime Minister’s Office (Cabinet office) to provide a brief on the subordinate law.

The Office was represented by the Principal Secretary- Cabinet and Food and Nutrition Coordination Office (FNCO) which informed the Committee thatfood fortification refers to the  addition of essential vitamins and minerals (such as iron, folic acid, vitamin A, and zinc) to commonly consumed food products to improve their nutritional value and prevent micronutrient deficiencies in the population.

According to the FNCO, the proposed amendments to the Food Fortification Regulations seek to insert Schedule I of the Food Fortification of Foodstuffs under Regulation 6 of Food Fortification Regulations, 2020. The new amendment Regulations outlines the specific foodstuffs to be fortified, namely wheat flour, maize flour, sugar, and edible oil. The Food and Nutrition Coordinating Office further presented that, the amendment was in response to observation that, Lesotho’s national nutrition status, particularly regarding anemia and other micronutrient deficiencies have declined. According to the Office of Cabinet, strengthening fortification measures will help address these deficiencies and improve overall public health outcomes, especially among children and women of reproductive age.

It was reported that the inclusion of Schedule I provides a clear legal framework for enforcing food fortification across key staple foods consumed daily by most Basotho households. It was also mentioned that this step will ensure consistency in implementation, compliance among food producers, and improved monitoring by the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Trade and Industry. Fortification of wheat and maize flour, sugar, and oil is expected to reduce cases of anemia, stunted growth, and other malnutrition-related diseases, contributing to the achievement of national health and development goals.

Part III

  •  OBSERVITIONS

6.1 There is need to establish a clear monitoring and inspection framework to ensure that all manufacturers and importers comply with the fortification requirements outlined in Schedule I. Regular testing and certification of fortified products should be conducted to maintain quality and nutritional standards.

7.0 RECOMMENDATIONS

That Food Fortification (Amendment) Regulations, 2024 be allowed into operation.

8.0 CONCLUSION

Subject to Standing Order 52 (3), the Legislation Committee wishes to submit Report for the adoption by the House.