DOH launches new seal to mark recommended iodized salt

CEBU, Philippines - With its aim to further strengthen its promotion for adequately iodized salt in line with Republic Act 8172 or the “ASIN Law,” the Department of Health launched its new seal to help consumers determine which products are healthier to use.

During the soft launching of the “Saktong Iodine sa Asin” campaign yesterday, the DOH revealed its new adequately iodized salt seal as a symbol of  its comprehensive fight against iodine deficiency.

Its main goal is to promote and revitalize adequate salt iodization in the Philippines, with the help of the Food and Drugs Administration and the United Nations Children’s Fund.

Based on the 2010 census of the Universal Salt Iodization, four out 10 children aged 6 to 12 years old in the Philippines are in a state of moderate, mild, and severe iodine deficiency.

Similarly, five out of 10 pregnant women and six out of 10 lactating women are in the same situation.

Iodine deficiency is considered one of the most important health issue in the Philippines since it reportedly affects one’s IQ development.

According to the 2008 National Nutrition survey, 81.1 percent of the households use iodized salt but out of this percentage only 25 percent use adequately iodized salts since some salts sold in the market remain not adequately iodized like the ‘takal’ salt.

RA 8172 or commonly known as the “ASIN Law” was passed to hopefully end the problem of Iodine Deficiency Disorders in the country.

With the law, all producers and manufacturer’s of food-grade salt are required to iodize the salt that they produce, manufacture, or distribute which will be monitored by the Food and Drug’s Administration, as well as of the LGUs.

Dr. Kenneth Hartigan-Go, acting director general of the Food and Drug Administration pointed out that to eradicate the problem there has to be a full government approach and people should not patronize substandard products.

On its part, FDA promised to ensure safety, efficacy, and purity of products and effective implementation of the national regulatory framework.

Further, the three big salt producers in the Philippines; Artemis Salt Corporation, Arvin International Marketing Inc. and Salinas Foods Incorporated, also promised to continuously support the project by observing adequate salt iodization in their products.

The soft launching of the “Saktong Iodine sa Asin” campaign was participated by both government and non-government sectors all over the country. —/ATO (FREEMAN)