28 March 2022, Cagayan de Oro City – In an effort to sustain the operationalization of the Saktong iodine sa Asin Campaign in the region, the Regional Bantay Asin Task Force (RBATF) X conducted the 1st Semester Salt Monitoring at public markets, grocery stores, sari-sari stores and restaurants in Gingoog City and Don Carlos, Bukidnon on 23 and 25 March 2022, respectively.
Gingoog City was monitored by the RBATF composed of Ms. Telesfora G. Madelo, Nutritionist-Dietitian IV of the Department of Health Center for Health Development-Northern Mindanao, PCpl Fel Angelle L. Nicdao of the Police Regional Office X, Nutrition Officer (NO) I Mark Pelias of the Provincial Health Office of Misamis Oriental, and NO I Liezel Joy D. Reyes of National Nutrition Council (NNC) X. While the monitoring team in Don Carlos, Bukidnon was composed of Ms. Hannah Leizl K. Ratunil, Nutritionist Dietitian II of the Department of Education Region X, Mr. Joel D. Lemare of Salinas Foods Corporation, Police Captain Melchor D. Saraus, Jr. and Police Corporal Evelyn J. Danggoy of Don Carlos Municipal Police Station and NO I Reyes.
The RBATF X collected a total of 21 salt samples in the major salt retailers/stores and restaurants in the two (2) localities. Salt samples collected from both LGUs were tested for iodine levels afterward, using the WYD Iodine checker machine.
Among all the salt samples tested, three (3) restaurants— (two in Gingoog City and one in Don Carlos, Bukidnon) and six (6) groceries— (four in Gingoog City & one in Don Carlos, Bukidnon) were identified to be selling adequately iodized salts, compliant to Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) required standard of iodine content of 30-70 parts per million (ppm). A certification was awarded to establishments selling adequately iodized salt; these were posted by the task force afterward.
Results of the monitoring suggests that there is still a need to intensify the campaign on producing, selling and consuming adequately iodized salt, as well as its proper handling and storage.
Hence, the RBATF X advocated the organization of the Local Bantay Asin Task Force to the two (2) local government units to support the Food Fortification Program under the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition. The task force also recommended the conduct of follow-up and regular monitoring and intensified promotion activities to ensure that only adequately iodized salt reaches the households.
The elimination of Iodine Deficiency Disorder (IDD) in the region cannot be accomplished by a single sector alone and like any of the nutrition programs, projects, and activities, it needs collaborative efforts of all stakeholders. Thus, reinforcing the Bantay Asin Task Force at the local level will greatly help in streamlining the importance of adequately iodized salt at the local level which will ensure that the households in Northern Mindanao only receive adequately iodized salt; thereby contributing to the elimination of IDD in the region. (NO I Liezel Joy D. Reyes)