6 November 2020, Cagayan de Oro City – Micronutrient deficiency, also known as hidden hunger, persisted to be a public health concern that affects the most vulnerable population including pregnant and lactating women, and 6-59 months old children.

In 1995, as a move to prioritize health and nutrition in the country, former President Fidel V. Ramos signed the Republic Act (RA) No. 8172 “An Act of Salt Iodization Nationwide” or ASIN Law to maintain an effective food regulatory system through iodine fortification of salt.

During former President Joseph Estrada’s term, the National Nutrition Survey (NNS) revealed that Filipinos are deficient in vitamin A, iodine, and iron. It was also during his time when RA 8976 or Philippine Food Fortification Act of 2000 was signed into law to address the above-mentioned micronutrient deficiencies. RA 8976 targets mandatory fortification of staple foods and voluntary fortification of processed foods or food products.

Food fortification aims to restore the nutrients lost during food processing by enriching food with the depleted nutrient or increasing the level of the nutrient in the food. Also, it is one of the nutrition-specific programs of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition 2017-2022 that serves as a long-term solution and most cost-effective strategy in providing safe fortification of staples or commonly consumed foods (such as rice, margarine, sugar, salt, oil, and flour) with essential micronutrients, especially vitamin A, iron, and iodine, to satisfy dietary gaps for nutrients and to make these available and accessible to the population.

Under the Sangkap Pinoy Seal Program (SPSP), the Department of Health encourages the fortification of all processed foods or food products based on rules and regulations.

Food products that are considered staples like rice, bread, noodles, and major condiments such as salt have been fortified to adhere to the provisions of the laws as well as to provide access especially to the poor sector of the economy. There is also mandatory fortification made on the following staple foods: (1) rice with iron; (2) wheat flour with vitamin A and iron; and (3) refined sugar and cooking oil with vitamin A.

The Sangkap Pinoy Seal (SPS) makes the general public aware of the availability of fortified foods with an assurance of quality and, thus, encourages the consumption of fortified products labeled with SPS. The seal is awarded to manufacturers who can meet standards for fortifying products with vitamin A, iron, or iodine.

Every 7th day of November marks the celebration of the annual National Food Fortification Day under Executive Order (E.O) No. 382 since it was signed last 29 October 2004 by former President Gloria Arroyo. Commemorating mainly aims to gain awareness among the community to consume fortified foods.

Everyone is encouraged to contribute to the success of the observance of the National Food Fortification Day through promotional campaigns and mobilization of health personnel. Also, becoming self-conscious about the food that we add to the grocery list makes every one of us a wiser consumer benefitting not only our wallet but most importantly our nutrition. (ND II Angelique Jean Maggay)

References:

Ani, P., Aquino, A., & Correa, AB. Republic act no. 8976: Establishing the Philippine food fortification program. FFTC Agricultural Policy Platform. https://ap.fftc.org.tw/article/795

Executive Order no. 382, s 2004. Malacaňang Records Office. https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2004/10/29/executive-order-no-382-s-2004/

Food fortification program. https://www.doh.gov.ph/food-fortification-program

Republic Act no. 8976 November 7, 2000. The LawPhil Project. Arelano Law Foundation. https://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2000/ra_8976_2000.html

Solon, F, S. Food fortification in the Philippines: Policies, programs, issues, and prospects. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/156482650002100433