Sanaa declares implementation of white flour extraction requirements

SANAA, Aug. 13 (YPA) – Yemen’s Sanaa-based Ministry of Economy, Industry and Investment announced on Thursday that a decision requiring all mills to produce white flour at an 80% extraction rate has come into effect.

In a statement, the ministry affirmed that the decision came as part of regulatory and economic measures aimed at strengthening food security, improving nutritional value and protecting consumer health.

The statement said the decision also is based on strategic, economic, health and technical studies and aims to regulate flour production according to approved standards while promoting healthier dietary practices.

It warned against non-compliance, saying specialized field teams will conduct surprise inspections, collect samples for laboratory testing and verify adherence to the required extraction rate.

The statement said the second phase will begin in October 2026, raising the extraction rate to 86%. It added that legal measures will be taken against mills violating the decision and that non-compliant flour quantities will be seized at retail and wholesale outlets starting August 20, 2026.

A joint team from the ministry, the Yemeni Organization for Standardization, the Sanaa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and flour mill companies will also conduct an awareness campaign targeting bakery owners, producers and consumers.