Sana'a: The Ministry of Economy, Industry, and Investment announced the implementation of a decision setting the extraction rate of white flour produced by all mills at 80%. This regulatory and economic step aims to enhance food security, increase the nutritional value of the product, and protect consumer health.
According to Yemen News Agency, the Ministry of Economy explained that the decision is based on strategic, economic, health, and technical studies. Its primary objective is to regulate flour production according to approved standards and specifications, and to promote healthy dietary habits.
The Ministry emphasized that increasing the extraction rate directly contributes to reducing common practices that negatively impact quality, while also rationalizing wheat consumption, optimizing resource utilization, and raising the standard of healthy eating.
The Ministry of Economy warned against any leniency in implementing the decision, emphasizing the formation of specialized field teams in cooperation with the relevant sectors within the Ministry and its offices in the capital and governorates. These teams, working in direct coordination with the Yemeni Standards, Metrology and Quality Control Organization, will conduct surprise field visits for monitoring, inspection, and sample collection for laboratory testing to ensure compliance with the specified percentage.
The statement indicated that the second phase of the decision, which includes raising the extraction rate to 86%, will be implemented starting in October 2026. It stressed that these decisions represent decisive national measures that serve the public interest, contribute to regulating and stabilizing national markets, and protect consumers from products lacking essential nutrients.
It noted the formation of a joint team comprising representatives from the Ministry of Economy, Industry and Investment, the Yemeni Standards and Metrology Organization, the Sana'a Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and representatives from milling companies. This team will prepare and implement a comprehensive awareness and media campaign targeting bakery owners, producers, and consumers. The campaign will highlight the positive effects and health and financial benefits of the phased implementation of extraction rates: 80% for the first phase and 86% for the second.
The Ministry of Economy emphasized that legal action and deterrent measures will be taken against any mills that violate the provisions of this decision. To ensure the proper and uniform application of this decision across all governorates, the Ministry confirmed that any non-compliant quantities will be confiscated from various sales outlets (agents, wholesalers, and retailers) starting August 20, 2026.