Nigeria, July 13 -- The federal government has launched the National Guidelines for Public Procurement of Food and Related Services.

The framework introduces nutrition standards for food purchased with public funds as part of efforts to reduce unhealthy diets and curb the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in Nigeria.

The guidelines, unveiled on Monday in Abuja at an event themed "Public Procurement of Food: Promoting a Culture of National Wellness Through the Food Value Chain," are expected to influence food served in public institutions, including schools, hospitals, correctional centres and military establishments, by setting evidence-based standards on nutrition, food safety and quality.

Delivering his keynote address at t...