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The significance of private standards and associated local level initiatives in agri-food value chains are increasingly recognised. However whilst issues related to compliance and impact at the smallholder or worker level have frequently been analysed, the governance implications in terms of how private standards affect national level institutions, public, private and non-governmental, have had less attention. This article applies an extended value chain framework for critical analysis of Private Standards Initiatives (PSIs) in agrifood chains, drawing on primary research on PSIs operating in Kenyan horticulture (Horticulture Ethical Business Initiative and KenyaGAP). The paper explores the legislative, executive and judicial aspects of governance in these southern PSIs highlighting how different stakeholders shape debates and act with agency. It is argued that governance is exercised ‘beyond the vertical’ in that one can identify wider horizontal processes of governance, including how the scope of key debates is constructed (especially in legislative governance) but analysis of executive governance emphasises the dominant role of the lead buyers

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BACKGROUND Early introduction of peanut is an effective strategy to prevent peanut allergy in high-risk infants; however, feasibility and effects on growth and nutritional intake are unknown. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the feasibility of introducing peanut in infancy and explore effects on growth and nutritional intake up to 60 months of age. METHODS In the Learning Early About Peanut Allergy (LEAP) trial, 640 atopic infants aged 4-11 months were randomly assigned to consume (6g peanut protein/week) or avoid peanut until 60 months of age. Peanut consumption and early feeding practices were assessed by questionnaire. Dietary intake was evaluated with prospective food diaries. Anthropometric measurements were taken at all study visits. RESULTS Peanut was successfully introduced and consumed until 60 months with median peanut protein intake of 7.5g/week (IQR 6.0-9.0) in the consumption group compared to 0g in the avoidance group. Introduction of peanut in breastfeeding infants did not affect the duration of breastfeeding. There were no differences in anthropometric measurements or energy intakes between groups at any visits. Regular peanut consumption led to differences in dietary intakes. Consumers had higher intakes of fat and avoiders had higher carbohydrate intakes; differences were greatest at the upper quartiles of peanut consumption. Protein intakes remained consistent between groups. CONCLUSIONS Introduction of peanut proved feasible in infants at high-risk of peanut allergy and did not affect the duration of breastfeeding nor impact negatively on growth or nutrition. Energy balance was achieved in both groups through variations in intakes from fat and carbohydrate while protein homeostasis was maintained.