Development of Locally Sourced Ingredients for Ready-to-Use Supplementary and Therapeutic Foods (RUSF/RUTF)

We are here as Selcuk university and the big company Cumra Seker https://www.konyaseker.com.tr/en 

We have already drafted the project concept and should be finalised with consoritum

The  focus  of  this  study  is  to  cultivate  drought-resistant  (millet  grain, sorghum etc)   that  can  adapt  to  variable  climatic  conditions  and  to  develop  RUTF  formulation  using  the  grain.  The  research   as  follows:

-       Selection  of  the  most  agriculturally  sustainable  and  food-friendly  millet  variety

-       Research  on  soil  quality,  irrigation  techniques  and  yield-enhancing  biotechnological  applications

-       Determination  and  optimization  of  millet  growing  conditions  suitable  for  climate  conditions  in  arid  regions  of  Africa

-       Research  on  the  use  of  millet  in  food  products

-       Research  on  existing  RUTF  foods  and  creation  of  RUTF  formulation  using  millet

-       Comparison  of  existing  products  and  new  product,  product  optimization

-       Research  on  energy,  protein,  fat  and  micronutrient  values  ​​that  should  be  included  in  RUTF  formulation.

-       Conducting  necessary  studies  to  preserve  and  extend  the  shelf  life  of  the  obtained  product  and  to  preserve  its  nutritional  value

-       Research  on  the  functional  effects  of  millet-based  product  on  digestive  and  immune  systems

The main activities are:

Identification and Validation of Local Ingredients (depends on the partners particpated from African countries, possible 3 African partners generally exposed to climate change and most affected)

• Proteins: Locally sourced proteins.

• Fats: Locally sourced oils

• Micronutrients: Fortified indigenous crops

• Codex Compliance: Conduct nutritional and safety assessments to meet Codex CXG 95-2022 standards.

Integration of Climate-Resilient Crops and Circular Economy Approaches

• Incorporation of drought-resistant and climate-smart crops (identified sorghum or millet (as international year on 2023 by Uniten Nations) and others which will be identified with regard to the partners from African countries) into RUSF/RUTF formulations.

• Development of zero-waste approaches using food industry by-products (will be identified) as nutritious additives.

Digital and Technological Innovations for Supply Chain Optimization

Blockchain-based traceability, AI-powered solutions or Mobile platforms

Diversification of Nutrition Approaches Beyond RUTF for Severe Malnutrition

• Research on alternative therapeutic nutrition approaches based on child health status and local conditions.

• Development of personalized, community-managed nutrition solutions using locally available foods.

Strengthening Local Production and Regulatory Compliance with Codex Standards

• Alignment of national regulatory frameworks with Codex CXG 95-2022 and WHO standards.

• Support for local SMEs and food industries in adopting Codex-compliant processing, and quality control.

• Training programs for producers and health professionals on GMP and HACCP.