Microsoft goes Micronutrient
Bill Gates has turned his gaze to solving malnutrition. An international consortium known as GAIN (Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition) places the ubiquitous Mr. Gates in partnership with companies such as Kraft Foods, a wholly owned subsidiary of tobacco giant Philip Morris and a pusher of many unhealthy foods, Heinz, a company well known for violating the International Code, notorious polluter Procter & Gamble, and vitamin manufacturers Roche and BASF Corp. (It should be noted that GAIN is not coincidentally also the name of an infant formula).
The GAIN program, which is funded with $ 50 million from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, would have participating companies adding nutrients such as iron, folic acid and Vitamin A to foods destined for sale in developing countries. GAIN will also provide technical assistance to local governments on how to fortify food staples. In return, the companies get GAIN’s support in lobbying for more favourable taxes and tariffs and a speedier review of new food products. Needless to say, GAIN has received considerable criticisms. Flogging macaroni and cheese with added nutrients to the world’s poor may add to corporate health and wealth, but will not solve the problems of food security and poverty.
The direct involvement of both UNICEF and WHO in these controversial arrangements, violate their own conflict of interest guidelines. These guidelines exclude involvement with tobacco companies and companies that violate the International Code. Several countries expressed grave concerns about these new-partnered initiatives, including IBFAN in its address to the Assembly.
