Mars has made another partnership to work on aflatoxin control, this time in India.
The company announced a collaboration Wednesday, Jan. 6 with the Tata Trusts, one of the oldest and most influential philanthropic organizations in India, to work to find solutions to malnutrition and improving food safety.
Mars will draw on the Global Food Safety Center in China which opened in 2015 as partners in India tackle aflatoxin – a naturally occurring, poisonous chemical that affects raw materials such as the peanut, a key crop in India’s food supply chain.
In addition to food safety, the collaborators will focus on boosting crop productivity, farm income and the sustainability of key agriculture commodities, as well as conduct joint research to address anemia and other forms of malnutrition.
The company announced a similar partnership with the African Union Commission last month to tackle aflatoxin on that continent, work that might help African products have a better standing in the world market.
Mars Food President Fiona Dawson and Mars family member Stephen Badger traveled to Mumbai on Jan. 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.”
Read Mars’ full announcement here.