Capitol observes Universal Salt Iodization Week
In observance of the Universal Salt Iodization this week (March 13-17, 2006), the Provincial Health Office (PHO) will spearhead the salt-testing in all wet markets and sari-sari stores in the Province of Iloilo.
This is to make sure that salt being sold for home and commercial use contains iodine which is necessary to combat Iodine Deficiency Disorder (IDD) such as mental retardation, brain dysfunction, deaf-mutism, goiter, growth retardation and increased risk of miscarriage, abortion and still births for women.
The PHO, with the help of Municipal Sanitary Inspectors and Barangay Health Workers, will also conduct series of provincewide salt-testing activities this year, which are scheduled on June 5-9, September 4-8 and December 4-8.
Aside from salt-testing, the team will also fix stickers bearing "Tindahang Hindi KSP" (Hindi Kulang sa Sangkap Pinoy Products) to sari-sari stores selling products with Sankap Pinoy seal.
This activity is part of the Food Fortification Program of the government as mandated by Republic Act 8976 otherwise known as Philippine Food Fortification Act of 2000.
Leni Disin, Nutritionist and Dietitian and at the same time Micronutrient and Malnutrition Control Program Coordinator of the province said the program will cover all imported or locally processed foods or food products for sale or distribution in the Philippines.
She said food fortification is the addition of one or more essential nutrients to food for the purpose of preventing or correcting a demonstrated deficiency with one or more nutrients in the population or specific population groups.
Disin said food fortification is mandatory to the following staple foods: rice - with iron; wheat flour - with vitamin A and iron; refined sugar - with vitamin A; cooking oil - with vitamin A; and other staple foods with nutrients as may later be required by the National Nutrition Council.
She also called for the support of local government units, salt producers, dealers and sari-sari storeowners for the success of this program.
(Capitol News)