The Department of Health today launches Sangkap Pinoy’s “SAKTONG IODINE SA ASIN”, a quality seal for table salt to address iodine deficiency - a major public health problem in the Philippines. Iodine is an important micronutrient needed by the body to achieve optimum mental and physical development.
The “SAKTONG IODINE SA ASIN” seal will be awarded by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to compliant salt products those bearing 30-70ppm iodine. The seal envisions that all salt manufacturers (salt producers, re-packers, traders, importers) will supply only adequately-iodized salt in the market that is intended for human consumption.
“Currently, salt distributed in the market is either poorly iodized or not iodized at all. There are several factors contributing to this occurrence such as lack of monitoring by regulatory agencies considering the layers of trading and complex supply distribution modalities” said DOH Assistant Secretary Paulyn Jean B. Rosell-Ubial.
The 2013 National Nutrition Survey (NNS), showed that among 6-12 years old, 16.4% have mild to moderate iodine deficiency, which is an improvement from 2008 NNS of 19.7%. Also, the proportion of households using iodized salt is only 71%, of which only 25% is using adequately-iodized salt. This explains the continuing existence of iodine deficiency disorders across the vulnerable target population that includes pregnant women, lactating women, and children 6-12 years old.
Iodine deficiency is considered one of the most important health issue in the Philippines since it reportedly affects one’s IQ development. This can be easily and economically addressed through salt iodization. Salt was identified as the best medium for delivering iodine because most people have access and eat salt in small quantities every day, enough to achieve the required iodine intake.
“So next time people buy table salt, they should look for “SAKTONG IODINE SA ASIN” seal on packages and even on the sacks of salt being sold in “takal” or retail in the markets.” Assistant Secretary Ubial concluded.
people buy table salt, they should look for “SAKTONG IODINE SA ASIN” seal on packages and even on the sacks of salt being sold in “takal” or retail in the markets.” Assistant Secretary Ubial concluded. # SOURCE – www.doh.gov.ph
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