Tackling Malnutrition and Food Safety in India

Malnutrition is a major public health concern in India, particularly among children. According to UNICEF, over a third of the world’s malnourished children live in India, and 46 percent of children under the age of three in the country are too small for their age. 

With this sobering information as a backdrop, Mars has formed a collaboration with the Tata Trusts, one of the oldest and most influential philanthropic organizations in India. Together we will aim to find new ways of tackling malnutrition and improving food safety in one of the world’s most populous countries.

Food safety is already a top priority for Mars, as evidenced by the 2015 opening of our Global Food Safety Center in China, where we are hard at work researching new and innovative approaches to promote food safety. We will draw on this resource in India as we continue to seek methods to tackle Aflatoxin – a naturally occurring, poisonous chemical that affects raw materials such as the peanut, a key crop in India’s food supply chain. 

This new collaboration will focus on boosting crop productivity, farm income and the sustainability of key agriculture commodities, as well as improving the availability of safe and affordable raw materials from India. Mars Food, owner of the world’s biggest rice brand in Uncle Ben’s, will also conduct joint research with the Tata Trusts on nutritional guidelines designed to help address anemia and other forms of malnutrition. 

Having invested in India for over 20 years, Mars already has a strong presence in the country. Our Petcare, Wrigley and Chocolate segments each have manufacturing facilities there, employing more than 1,000 Associates. This new collaboration is further evidence of our commitment to growth and sustainable development in the region, and to food safety on a global scale.

Mars Food President Fiona Dawson and Mars family member Stephen Badger traveled to Mumbai on January 6 to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Tata Trusts and meet with its Chairman, Ratan Tata. 

“Today’s MOU with the Tata Trusts is an important step in Mars’ journey to improve nutrition, food safety and sustainability in India,” said Fiona. “The Tata Trusts’ strong commitment to improving the quality of life in India, and the depth and breadth of their expertise, make them a natural partner for Mars.”v