The Tanzania Food and Nutrition Act

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.495
CHAPTER 109
THE TANZANIA FOOD AND NUTRITION ACT
[PRINCIPAL LEGISLATION]
Arrangement of Sections
Section Title
1. Short title.
2. Interpretation.
3. Establishment of Centre.
4. Functions of Centre.
5. Governing Board.
6. Composition and procedure of Governing Board.
7. Powers and duties of Governing Board.
8. Appointment of Managing Director.
9. Appointment of staff.
10. Delegation.
11. Governing Board responsible for management of assets.
12. Funds of Centre.
13. Power to borrow.
14. Annual and supplementary budget.
15. Investment.
16. Accounts and audit.
17. Managing Director’s report.
18. Annual statement of accounts and report to be laid before National Assembly.
19. Regulations and by-laws.
20. Fees and allowances.
21. Minister may give directions and grant exemptions.
22. Proceedings of Governing Board not to be invalid by reason of irregularity.
23. Protection of members of Governing Board and officers of Centre.
SCHEDULE

ceedings of Governing Board not to be invalid by reason of irregularity.
23. Protection of members of Governing Board and officers of Centre.
SCHEDULE

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.496
1. This Act may be cited as the Tanzania Food and Nutrition
Act. 2. In this Act unless the context requires otherwise-
“Centre” means the Tanzania Food and Nutrition Centre;
“Governing Board” means the Governing Board of the
Centre established under section 5;
“members” in relation to the Governing Board includes the
chairman of the Board; and
“Minister” means the Minister for the time being responsible
for the Centre. 3.–(1) There is hereby established under the Ministry
responsible for health an autonomous body to be known as
the Tanzania Food and Nutrition Centre. (2) The Centre shall be a body corporate and shall-
(a) have perpetual succession and a common seal;
(b) in its corporate name, be capable of suing and being
sued; and
(c) be capable of purchasing or otherwise acquiring and of
alienating any movable or immovable property.

name, be capable of suing and being
sued; and
(c) be capable of purchasing or otherwise acquiring and of
alienating any movable or immovable property.

(3) Consequent upon the changing of the former Centre
into an autonomous entity, all assets and liabilities to which
the former Centre was entitled or subject and all employees
of the former Centre shall with effect from the date of coming
Short title
Interpretation
Establishment of
Centre
Act No. 3 of 1995 Sch. CHAPTER 109
THE TANZANIA FOOD AND NUTRITION ACT
An Act to establish the Tanzania Food and Nutrition Centre. [6th December, 1973]
[GN. No. 116 of 1999]
Acts Nos. 24 of 1973
3 of 1995

ND NUTRITION ACT
An Act to establish the Tanzania Food and Nutrition Centre. [6th December, 1973]
[GN. No. 116 of 1999]
Acts Nos. 24 of 1973
3 of 1995

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.497
THE TANZANIA FOOD AND NUTRITION ACT [CAP. 109 R.E. 2023]
into operation of this Act be vested in and transferred to the
new Centre. 4.

sion of OAG.497
THE TANZANIA FOOD AND NUTRITION ACT [CAP. 109 R.E. 2023]
into operation of this Act be vested in and transferred to the
new Centre. 4.

The functions of the Centre shall be-
(a) to plan and initiate food and nutrition programmes for
the benefit of the people of the United Republic;
(b) to undertake review and revision of food and nutrition
programmes;
(c) to provide facilities for training in subjects relating to
food and nutrition and prescribed conditions which
must be satisfied before any diploma, certificate or
other award which may be granted in any subject upon
completion of any training undertaken by the Centre
or other educational institution in the United Republic;
(d) to carry out research in matters relating to food and
nutrition;
(e) to advise the Government, schools and other public
organisations on matters relating to food and nutrition;
(f) to stimulate and promote, amongst the people of the
United Republic, an awareness of the importance of
balanced diet and of the dangers of malnutrition;
(g) to gain public confidence in the methods suggested
by the Centre for the correction or avoidance of
malnutrition;
(h) in collaboration with the Ministry responsible for
Development Planning, to formulate, for incorporation
in the national development plans, plans relating to
food and nutrition for the benefit of the people of the
United Republic;
(i) in collaboration with the producers, manufacturers
and distributors of articles of food, to ensure proper
nutritional value of the food marketed in the United
Republic or exported to foreign countries;
(j) to make available to the Government and the people
of the United Republic, its findings on any research
carried out by it on matters affecting nutrition;
Functions of
Centre

e Government and the people
of the United Republic, its findings on any research
carried out by it on matters affecting nutrition;
Functions of
Centre

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.498
THE TANZANIA FOOD AND NUTRITION ACT [CAP. 109 R.E. 2023]
(k) to participate in international conferences, seminars
and discussions on matters relating to food or nutrition;
and
(l) to do all other acts and things, and enter into all
contracts and transactions, which are, in the opinion
of the Governing Board, expedient or necessary for the
discharge of functions of the Centre. 5. There shall be a Governing Board of the Centre. 6.–(1) The provisions of the Schedule to this Act shall have
effect as to the composition of the Governing Board, the tenure
of office of its members, termination of their appointment,
the proceedings of the Governing Board and other matters
in relation to the Governing Board and its members as are
provided for in that Schedule. (2) The President may, by order published in the Gazette,
amend, vary or replace all or any of the provisions of the
Schedule to this Act. 7.–(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the management and
control of the Centre shall be vested in the Governing Board.

e
Schedule to this Act. 7.–(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the management and
control of the Centre shall be vested in the Governing Board.

(2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of
subsection (1), the Governing Board shall have power-
(a) to administer the properties of the Centre, both
movable and immovable;
(b) to administer the funds and other assets of the Centre;
(c) to signify the acts of the Centre by use of the common
seal;
(d) on behalf of the Centre to receive gifts, fees, donations,
grants or other moneys;
(e) subject to the provisions of this Act, to appoint any officers
of the centre as the Board may considers necessary; and
(f) to do all acts and things as may be provided in this Act
or, in the opinion of the Governing Board, as may be
necessary or expedient for the proper discharge of the
functions of the Centre. Governing Board
Composition
and procedure of
Governing Board
Powers and duties
of Governing
Board

the proper discharge of the
functions of the Centre. Governing Board
Composition
and procedure of
Governing Board
Powers and duties
of Governing
Board

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.499
THE TANZANIA FOOD AND NUTRITION ACT [CAP. 109 R.E. 2023]
8.–(1) The Minister shall, after consultation with the Board,
appoint a suitable person to be the Managing Director of the
Centre. (2) The Managing Director shall be the chief executive
officer of the Centre. (3) The Governing Board may, with the consent of the
Minister, appoint other directors to perform any functions as
the Governing Board may assign. (4) The Managing Director may appoint any of the director
to act as the Managing Director in his absence. (5) The Managing Director shall be the executive secretary
of the Governing Board and be entitled to be present and to
speak at any meeting of the Governing Board, but shall not be
entitled to vote unless he is also appointed as a member of the
Board. 9. The administrative, professional and technical staff of
the Centre shall, subject to the provisions of section 10, be
appointed by the Governing Board. 10.

dministrative, professional and technical staff of
the Centre shall, subject to the provisions of section 10, be
appointed by the Governing Board. 10.

The Governing Board may, subject to any conditions as
it may impose, delegate to any person or body of persons,
the powers of appointment to any post in the administrative,
professional or technical staff of the Centre. 11. The Governing Board shall manage the assets and
properties of the Centre in the manner which, in the opinion
of the Governing Board, promotes the best interests of the
Centre. 12. The funds and resources of the Centre shall consist of-
(a) any moneys which may be provided for the purposes of
the Centre by Parliament;
(b) any funds or assets which may vest in or accrue to the
Centre from other sources by way of fees, gifts, grant or
otherwise; and
Appointment
of Managing
Director
Act No. 3 of 1995 Sch. Appointment of
staff
Delegation
Governing Board
responsible for
management of
assets
Funds of Centre

tment
of Managing
Director
Act No. 3 of 1995 Sch. Appointment of
staff
Delegation
Governing Board
responsible for
management of
assets
Funds of Centre

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.500
THE TANZANIA FOOD AND NUTRITION ACT [CAP. 109 R.E. 2023]
(c) any sums which the Governing Board may, subject to
the provisions of section 13, borrow for the purpose of
the Centre. 13.–(1) With the prior approval of the Minister, the Governing
Board may borrow moneys for the purposes of the Centre by
way of loan or overdraft, and upon any security and any terms
and conditions relating to the repayment of the principal and
the payment of the interest which, subject to any directions by
the Minister the Governing Board may deem fit. (2) A person lending money to the Board shall not be bound
to enquire whether the borrowing of the money by the Board
has been approved by the Minister. 14.–(1) In this Act “financial year” means any period not
exceeding twelve consecutive months designated in that behalf
by the Governing Board:
(Proviso spent).

this Act “financial year” means any period not
exceeding twelve consecutive months designated in that behalf
by the Governing Board:
(Proviso spent).

(2) Not less than two months before the beginning of
any financial year (other than the first financial year), the
Governing Board shall, at its meeting especially convened for
that purpose, pass a detailed budget (in this Act called “the
annual budget”) of the amounts respectively-
(a) expected to be received; and
(b) expected to be disbursed, by the Centre during that
financial year. (3) Where in any financial year, the Governing Board
requires to make any disbursement not provided for or of an
amount in excess of the amount provided for, in the annual
budget for that year, the Governing Board shall, at a meeting,
pass a supplementary budget detailing the disbursement. (4) The annual budget and supplementary budget shall be
in the form and include the details as the Minister may direct. (5) Forthwith upon passing any annual budget or any
supplementary budget, the Governing Board shall submit the
same to the Minister for his approval. Power to borrow
Annual and
supplementary
budget
Act No. 3 of 1995 Sch.

et, the Governing Board shall submit the
same to the Minister for his approval. Power to borrow
Annual and
supplementary
budget
Act No. 3 of 1995 Sch.

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.501
THE TANZANIA FOOD AND NUTRITION ACT [CAP. 109 R.E. 2023]
(6) The Minister shall, upon receipt of the annual budget or
any supplementary budget, approve or disapprove the same or
may approve subject to any amendment as he may deem fit. (7) Where the Minister has approved any annual budget or
supplementary budget, the budget or, as the case may be, the
supplementary budget, as amended by him, shall be binding
on the Governing Board which, subject to the provisions of
subsection (8), shall confine the disbursements within the terms
and the amounts contained in the budget or supplementary
budget as approved by the Minister.

ion (8), shall confine the disbursements within the terms
and the amounts contained in the budget or supplementary
budget as approved by the Minister.

(8) The Governing Board may-
(a) with the sanction in writing of the Minister, make a
disbursement notwithstanding that, the disbursement
is not provided for in any budget;
(b) from the amount of expenditure provided for in any
estimates in respect of any item, transfer, any sum which
the Board may approve to any other item contained in
the budget; and
(c) adjust expenditure limits to take account of
circumstances not reasonably foreseeable at the time
the budget was prepared, subject to submitting a
supplementary budget to the Minister with two months
of the alteration of expenditure limits becoming
necessary. 15. With the prior approval of the Minister, the Governing
Board may, from time to time, invest any part of the moneys
available in any fund in investments authorised by the Trustees
Investments Act, for the investment of any trust fund. 16.–(1) The Governing Board shall cause to be provided and
kept proper books of account and records with respect to-
(a) the receipt and expenditure of moneys by, and other
financial transactions of the Centre;
(b) the assets and liabilities of the Centre, and shall cause
to be made out for every financial year a balance sheet
Investment
Cap.

s of the Centre;
(b) the assets and liabilities of the Centre, and shall cause
to be made out for every financial year a balance sheet
Investment
Cap.

53
Accounts and
audit
Act No. 3 of 1995 Sch.

53
Accounts and
audit
Act No. 3 of 1995 Sch.

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.502
THE TANZANIA FOOD AND NUTRITION ACT [CAP. 109 R.E. 2023]
showing details of the income and expenditure of the
Centre and all its assets and liabilities. (2) Within six months of the close of a financial year, the
accounts including the balance sheet of the Centre in respect
of that financial year shall be audited by the Controller and
Auditor General or any other authorised auditor appointed by
him. (3) As soon as the accounts of the Centre have been audited,
and in any case not later than six months after the close of
the financial year, the Governing Board shall submit to the
Minister a copy of the audited statement, of accounts together
with a copy of the report made by the auditors. (4) An audited balance sheet shall be placed before a meeting
of the Governing Board and, if adopted by the Governing
Board shall be endorsed with a certificate that it has been so
adopted. 17.

d before a meeting
of the Governing Board and, if adopted by the Governing
Board shall be endorsed with a certificate that it has been so
adopted. 17.

The Managing Director shall, at the end of each financial
year, prepare a report on the activities of the Centre during the
financial year and submit the report to the Minister. 18. The Minister shall as soon as may be practicable and not
later than seven months after the close of a financial year, lay
before the National Assembly the following documents in
relation to that financial year-
(a) a copy of the audited statement of accounts of the
Centre;
(b) a copy of the auditors report, if any; and
(c) a copy of the Managing Director’s report. 19.–(1) The Governing Board may, with the consent of the
Minister make regulations for the better carrying out of the
purposes of this Act, and without prejudice to the generality of
the foregoing may make regulations-
(a) prescribing diplomas, certificates and other awards
which may be conferred or granted by the Centre;
Managing
Director’s report
Annual statement
of accounts and
report to be laid
before National
Assembly
Regulations and
by-laws

granted by the Centre;
Managing
Director’s report
Annual statement
of accounts and
report to be laid
before National
Assembly
Regulations and
by-laws

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.503
THE TANZANIA FOOD AND NUTRITION ACT [CAP. 109 R.E. 2023]
(b) prescribing the conditions which must be satisfied before
any diploma, certificate or awards may be granted;
(c) regulating the conduct of examinations;
(d) providing for and regulating disciplinary proceedings
against the officers of the Centre and students;
(e) prescribing anything which may be prescribed under
this Act; and
(f) providing for any matter or thing which, in the opinion
of the Governing Board, is necessary for the furtherance
of the functions and objects of the Centre. (2) The Governing Board may make by-laws regulating
discipline among students enrolled for training by the Centre
and to provide for better governing, control and administration
of the Centre. (3) By-laws made under subsection (2) shall not be required
to be published in the Gazette:
Provided that the Governing Board may, in its absolute
discretion, and shall, if directed to do so by the Minister, cause
any by-laws to be published in the Gazette. 20.

overning Board may, in its absolute
discretion, and shall, if directed to do so by the Minister, cause
any by-laws to be published in the Gazette. 20.

The Minister may, by directions under his hand prescribe
the fees and allowances payable to the members of the
Governing Board. 21.–(1) The Minister may give the Governing Board directions
of a general or specific character and the Governing Board
shall give effect to every direction. (2) Notwithstanding the provisions of any written law the
Minister may, by order under his hand, exempt the Centre
from stamp duty, land registration fee, land rent and other
fees, charges, rates and levies, on any transaction to which the
Centre is a party or in relation to any property transferred to
or owned by the Centre. 22. An act or proceeding of the Governing Board shall not be
invalid by reason only of the number of members not being
complete at the time of any act or proceeding or of any defect
Fees and
allowances
Minister may give
directions and
grant exemptions
Proceedings of
Governing Board
not to be invalid
by reason of
irregularity

efect
Fees and
allowances
Minister may give
directions and
grant exemptions
Proceedings of
Governing Board
not to be invalid
by reason of
irregularity

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.504
THE TANZANIA FOOD AND NUTRITION ACT [CAP. 109 R.E. 2023]
in the appointment of any member or of the fact that any
member was at the time disqualified or disentitled to act as
such. 23.–(1) A matter or thing done by any member or officer
of the Governing Board or the Centre shall not, render that
member or officer personally liable for the matter or thing, if
done bona fide in the execution or purported execution of the
functions conferred upon the member or officer by this Act or
by regulations made under it. (2) For the avoidance of doubts, it is hereby declared that
the provisions of this section shall be without prejudice to the
provisions of section 284A of the Penal Code or the provisions
of the Public Officers (Recovery of Debts) Act. SCHEDULE
(Made under section 6(2))
1. In this Schedule “appointing authority” means-
(a) in relation to the Chairman of the Governing Board, the
President; and
(b) in relation to any other member, the Minister.

inting authority” means-
(a) in relation to the Chairman of the Governing Board, the
President; and
(b) in relation to any other member, the Minister.

2.–(1) The Governing Board shall consist of a Chairman, who shall be
appointed by the President and not less than eight and not more than
twelve other members, appointed by the Minister. (2) In appointing the members, the Minister may have regard to
appointing members representing the following offices:
(a) the ministry responsible for health (prevention department);
(b) the ministry responsible for livestock developments;
(c) the ministry responsible for local government;
(d) the ministry responsible for planning (social services sector);
(e) the ministry responsible for community development,
women affairs and children;
(f) the ministry responsible for education (curriculum
development department);
(g) the Sokoine University of Agriculture (Department of Food
Science and Human Nutrition); and
(h) the University of Dar es Salaam (IDS or ERB). Protection of
members of
Governing Board
and officers of
Centre
Cap. 16
Cap. 76
Interpretation
Composition
Act No. 3 of 1995 Sch.

Salaam (IDS or ERB). Protection of
members of
Governing Board
and officers of
Centre
Cap. 16
Cap. 76
Interpretation
Composition
Act No. 3 of 1995 Sch.

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.505
THE TANZANIA FOOD AND NUTRITION ACT [CAP. 109 R.E. 2023]
3. The members of the Governing Board shall, from among their
number, elect a Vice-Chairman, who shall hold office for so long as he
remains a member of the Governing Board. 4.–(1) A member of the Governing Board shall, unless his appointment
is sooner determined by the appointing authority, or he otherwise
ceases to be a member, hold office for any period which the appointing
authority may specify in his appointment:
Provided that, in the case of a member who is a member by virtue of
his holding some other office, he shall continue to be a member of the
Governing Board for so long as he continues to hold that office. (2) A member of the Governing Board may at any time resign by
giving notice in writing to the appointing authority and from the date
specified in the notice or, if no date is so specified, from the date of the
receipt of the notice by the appointing authority, he shall cease to be a
member. 5.

n the notice or, if no date is so specified, from the date of the
receipt of the notice by the appointing authority, he shall cease to be a
member. 5.

Where a member is unable for any reason to attend a meeting, the
body or the Ministry, which he represents, as the case may be, may, in
writing, nominate another person in his place for the purpose of that
meeting. 6. Where any member ceases to be a member for any reason before the
expiration of his term of office, the appointing authority shall appoint
another person in his place and the person so appointed shall hold
office for the remainder of the term of office of his predecessor. 7.–(1) An ordinary meeting of the Governing Board shall be convened
by the Chairman and the notice specifying the place, date and time of
the meeting shall be sent to each member at his usual place of business
or residence not less than seven days before the date of the meeting. In
case the Chairman is unable to act by reason of illness, absence from
Tanzania, or other sufficient cause, the Vice-Chairman may convene
the meeting. (2) The Chairman, or in his absence, the Vice-Chairman, shall be
bound to convene a special meeting of the Governing Board upon
receipt of a request in writing in that behalf signed by not less than five
members of the Governing Board.

pecial meeting of the Governing Board upon
receipt of a request in writing in that behalf signed by not less than five
members of the Governing Board.

(3) Subject to subparagraph (2) not less than seven days’ notice of
the meeting shall be given to all members of the Governing Board in
the manner prescribed in subparagraph (1). (4) The Chairman, the Vice-Chairman, or the temporary chairman
elected in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 8 (2) presiding
at any meeting of the Governing Board may invite any person who
is not a member to participate in the deliberations of the Governing
Board, but that person shall not be entitled to vote. Vice-Chairman
Tenure of office
Act No. 3 of 1995 Sch. Absent member
to be replaced at
meetings
Casual vacancies
Meetings

hall not be entitled to vote. Vice-Chairman
Tenure of office
Act No. 3 of 1995 Sch. Absent member
to be replaced at
meetings
Casual vacancies
Meetings

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.506
THE TANZANIA FOOD AND NUTRITION ACT [CAP. 109 R.E. 2023]
8.–(1) One-half of the total number of the members of the Governing
Board, or four members, whichever is the lesser number, shall form a
quorum for a meeting of the Governing Board. (2) In the absence of the Chairman from a meeting of the Governing
Board, the Vice- Chairman shall preside and in absence of both the
Chairman and the Vice-Chairman from any meeting, the members
present shall elect one of their number to be a temporary chairman of
that meeting. (3) At any meeting of the Governing Board a decision of the majority
of the members present and voting shall be deemed to be a decision
of the Governing Board and in the event of an equality of votes the
Chairman of the meeting shall have a casting vote in addition to his
deliberative vote.

e Governing Board and in the event of an equality of votes the
Chairman of the meeting shall have a casting vote in addition to his
deliberative vote.

(4) Notwithstanding the provisions of subparagraph (2), where the
Chairman so directs, a decision may be made by the Governing Board
without a meeting by circulation of the relevant papers among all the
members and the expression in writing of their views, but any member
shall be entitled to require that decision be deferred until the subject
matter is considered at a meeting of the Board. 9. Minutes in proper form of each meeting of the Governing Board
shall be kept and confirmed by the Governing Board at the following
meeting and signed by the Chairman of the meeting. 10. All documents and instruments required to be executed by the
Governing Board shall be signed by-
(a) the Managing Director; or
(b) any member of the Board or other officer of the Governing
Board authorised in writing by the Managing Director in
that behalf. 11. The seal of the Governing Board shall not be affixed to any
instrument except in the presence of the Managing Director, or the
Chairman or the Vice-Chairman and at least one other member of the
Governing Board. 12. Subject to the provision of this Schedule, the Governing Board shall
have power to regulate its own proceedings.

er member of the
Governing Board. 12. Subject to the provision of this Schedule, the Governing Board shall
have power to regulate its own proceedings.

Procedure
Minutes of
meetings
Orders directions
Seal of Governing
Board
Governing Board
may regulate its
own proceedings