California-based Challenge Dairy Products Inc. is now a UNICEF-approved supplier of ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTF) for severe acute malnutrition.  This makes Challenge the first US food company to commercially manufacture RUTF under contract for UNICEF.  Completing the certification process with UNICEF in May 2009, Challenge is now supplying RUTF to UNICEF for Caribbean, Central American and Asian countries. 

Challenge Dairy's Ready-To-Use Therapeutic Food, known as "Challenge Dairy RUTF," is dairy-based.  "All other RUTF products on the market rely on peanuts for some portion of the total protein. Our RUTF is the first peanut- free formula," says Challenge CEO Irv Holmes.   This formula provides an alternative in situations where health and other factors may limit the use of peanuts.

Like other ready-to-use foods, Challenge Dairy RUTF is a complete source of energy, proteins, and micronutrients developed to World Health Organization standards for the second phase of rehabilitation of severely malnourished children.  It is designed to be used in clinical settings and in community-based management of malnutrition. The Challenge Dairy RUTF does not need refrigeration or water for preparation.  This RUTF product complements Challenge's "F-75" and "F-100" powder products, which are also designed to World Health Organization standards for clinic-based feeding programs for severe acute malnutrition.

Challenge has been involved in developing and providing dairy-based humanitarian aid food products for over twenty years.  In addition to partnerships with UNICEF internationally, Challenge has supplied USDA with dairy-based products for domestic feeding programs.

Challenge Dairy Products Inc. is celebrating its 99^th year as a dairy cooperative.  It is a subsidiary of California Dairies Inc., the largest dairy cooperative in California and the second largest in the United States.  For more information, see http://www.challengedairy.com/, or visit their Featured Supplier Profile.