Ready‑to‑Use Therapeutic Foods: Treating severe acute malnutrition at scale

In this episode of Milestones in Pediatric Nutrition, Professor Andrew Prentice interviews Professor Mark Manary from Washington University and Adeline Lescanne, CEO of Nutriset, about ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTF) for severe acute malnutrition (SAM). Professor Manary describes how hospital-based treatment historically achieved only 45% recovery rates, prompting exploration of home-based alternatives. The RUTF concept, inspired by low-moisture foods like chocolate spread and halva, emerged through collaboration between André Briend and Michel Lescanne. Initial clinical trials in 2001 demonstrated dramatic improvements, achieving 90% recovery rates compared to 45% with traditional hospital care. The low water content prevents bacterial growth, enabling safe community-based treatment. Nutriset developed the Plumpy Field network, establishing local manufacturing facilities across 12-13 countries including Haiti, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and India, maintaining rigorous quality control from raw material sourcing through finished product testing. The company has treated over 65 million malnourished children. The episode highlights how RUTF has become a standard of care for community-based SAM management and underscores the importance of sustained partnerships and investment to ensure continued access for children who need treatment.