Monitoring of Paranaque Bantay Asin Task Force with captionThe Parañaque Bantay Asin Task Force (PBATF) continues its monitoring and advocacy activities in the city in compliance to Republic Act (RA) 8172. Mandated by the city’s Executive Order No. 19-021, the PBATF conducts quarterly monitoring of salt being sold in the city markets.

RA 8172, “An Act Promoting Salt Iodization Nationwide and for related purposes”, more commonly known as ASIN Law aims to contribute to the elimination of iodine deficiency disorder (IDD) through the cost-effective measure of salt iodization. Based on the law, all producers, and manufacturers of food-grade salt for human and animal consumption must iodize the salt that they produce, manufacture, import, trade, or distribute. All food outlets, restaurants, and stores are required to provide their customers with only iodized salt.

The law also requires the checking and monitoring of food-grade salt being sold in the market if they are properly iodized. Iodine content of salt in production sites and market should be within 30-70ppm. These activities are done by nutritionist-dietitians (ND) and/or sanitary inspectors.

From January-February 2022, the PBATF had conducted unannounced monitoring activities in Baclaran Market and San Antonio Market. It was participated in by most salt vendors.

Salt samples were collected by ND April Fabiala. These collected salt samples were tested using WYD Iodine Checker to determine their iodine content. While the salt testing was ongoing, ND Christopher Ramirez gave a lecture on the importance of RA 8172 and salt iodization. He also introduced the city’s Its-ASIN: Sumbungan Hotline.

Most of the salt samples tested had adequate amounts of iodine within 30-70 ppm. Salt vendors with salt samples that did not reach the required iodine content were instructed to set-up a sign indicating that the salt products were not for food consumption. They will be monitored after a month for compliance. Compliant vendors were also given grocery packs, Certificate of Compliance, and Sticker of Compliance.

Salt Iodization is one of the program components of the Mandatory Food Fortification which is a nutrition-specific program of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN). The PPAN is the country’s framework for nutrition improvement.

Follow Kumainment #7: Gumamit ng Iodized Salt! Ang pagbebenta ng hindi iodized na Asin ay labag sa batas “IT IS A-SIN”.

Written by: NO II Theresa A. Rivas and NPC Milagros Elisa V. Federizo

Click this link for a copy of Ordinance No. 2021-03 s.2019 “Ordinance Regulating the Production, Disposition and Use of Salt in the City of Parañaque, Imposing a Penalty for Any Violation Thereof and for Other Purposes”

https://www.nnc.gov.ph/component/phocadownload/category/63-policies-plans-activities?download=3316:ordinance-no-2021-03-series-of-2019-paranaque-city


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