Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) 92g sachet
General Description
RUTF is a peanut based Ready-to-Use Food that is high in energy and contain adequate protein and other essential nutrients, formulated for the therapeutic treatment of severely acute malnourished children from 6 to 52 months and complies with the FAO’s Codex Alimentarius Guidelines for ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTF) (CXG 95-2022). RUTF is a peanut-based paste fortified with vitamins and
minerals and has a smooth texture that is easy to swallow.
Target Group
Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) is a high-energy and high-nutrient food specially formulated for the treatment of severe acute malnutrition in children aged 6 to 59 months. Children with allergies to peanuts or dairy should not consume RUTF.
Technical Specifications
Nutritional composition per 100 g of RUTF paste
| Nutrient | Unit | Min (Qty) | Max (Qty) | Target* |
| Energy | Kcal | 520 | 550 | Using 535 kcal average |
| Protein | g | 13 | 17 | At least half of the protein contain |
| in RUTF comes from dairy | ||||
| products | ||||
| Fat | g | 26 | 37 | |
| ω-3 fatty acids | % | 1 | 2.5 | Total energy |
| ω-6 fatty acids | % | 3 | 7 | |
| Water activity | 0.6 maximum | |||
| Moisture content | %2.5 maximum | |||
| PDCAAS | > 90 |
Micronutrients per 100 g of RUTF paste
| Micronutrient | Unit | Min (Qty) | Max (Qty) | Target* |
| Vitamin A (Retinol) | mg | 0.8 | 1.6 | 0.8 mg |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) | mg | 0.5 | 0.5 mg | |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | mg | 1.6 | 1.5 mg | |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | mg | 5 | 5 mg | |
| Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) | mg | 3 | 3 mg | |
| Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) | mg | 0.6 | 0.6 mg | |
| Vitamin B7 (Biotin) | μg | 60 | 60 μg | |
| Vitamin B9 (Folic acid) | μg | 200 | 200 μg | |
| Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) | μg | 1.6 | 1.6 μg | |
| Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) | mg | 50 | 50 mg | |
| Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol) | μg | 15 | 22 | 15 μg |
| Vitamin E (α-Tocopherol) | mg | 20 | 20 mg | |
| Vitamin K (Phytonadione) | μg | 15 | 30 | 15 μg |
| Calcium (Ca) | mg | 300 | 785 | 305 mg |
| Copper (Cu) | mg | 1.4 | 1.8 | 1.5 mg |
| Iodine (I) | μg | 70 | 140 | 98 μg |
| Iron (Fe) | mg | 10 | 14 | 10.5 mg |
| Magnesium (Mg) | mg | 80 | 235 | 80 mg |
| Phosphorus (P) | mg | 300 | 785 | 345 mg |
| Potassium (K) | mg | 1100 | 1600 | 1175 mg |
| Selenium (Se) | μg | 20 | 40 | 30 μg |
| Sodium (Na) | mg | 0 | 290 | 180 mg |
| Zinc (Zn) | mg | 11 | 14 | 12 mg |
* Target may vary due to the intrinsic nutritional properties of the raw materials and the variability of the processes.
Quality standards
RUTF is manufactured in accordance with the Codex Alimentarius, Good Manufacturing Practice (GMPs), and Good Hygiene Practices (GHPs) to ensure the highest standards of safety and quality. Production is in control with adaptation of a certified quality management system that employs a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) approach to food safety. RUTF complies with the microbiological criteria recommended by Guidelines for ready-to-use therapeutic foods (CXG 95-2022). All raw materials are food grade in compliance with general recommendations of Codex Alimentarius (STAN 200-1995, STAN 207-1999, STAN 212-1999).
To avoid cross contamination during the storage of raw materials and the manufacturing processes, below Codex Alimentarius Standards are implemented but are not limited to:
CXC 75 2015, Code of Hygienic Practice for Low moisture foods
CXS/RCP 1-1969, Rev. 4-2003: Recommended International Code of Practice. General Principles of Food Hygiene. FSSC 22000 certification
Logistical information
RUTF has a shelf life of 24 months. After opening, the sachet should be used within 24 hours. It is recommended to keep the product in a dry and cool place, at a temperature below 30°C. RUTF is not prone to bacterial contamination due to its low water activity. Serving size unit is 92 g sachet providing 500 kcal.
Packaging
RUTF is packaged under protective atmosphere (nitrogen) in order to optimize the product’s shelf life. Sachets are air and humidity tight.
Packaging material of the sachet is suitable for food contact according to European Regulation 1935/2004, 27th October 2004.
Packaging specification: 12micron PET/12micron METPET/40micron NylonPE or 40micron LLDPE, with minimum thickness 60 micron or equivalent.
Standards and test for barrier properties: ASTM F1249-13 or equivalent, ASTM F1927-14 or equivalent
References
WHO/WFP/UNICEF/UNSCN “Community-based management of severe acute malnutrition, A Joint Statement by the World Health Organization, the World Food Programme, the United Nations System Standing Committee on Nutrition and the United Nations Children’s Fund”, (2007)
Guidelines for ready-to-use therapeutic foods (CXG 95-2022)