The World Development Report (World Bank, 1998) shows that deficiencies in vitamin A, iron and iodine could waste as much as 5% of the GDP. Such a deficiency contribute to infections and mortality particularly among children and women; low mental performance and less productive workforce.

 

At that time, the prevalence of children with low to deficient Vitamin A levels is 38%, making a primary public health problem.

 

This was what our best friend Mike Defensor had in mind when he authored RA 8976 or the Food Fortification Act of 2000. At that time, Mike was the youngest member of the House of Representative.

 

Some people stayed in Congress for three terms and had never passed a law which they authored principally.

 

Food fortification is the addition of micronutrients that are deficient in the diet to a food or seasoning that is widely consumed by specific at-risk population groups.

 

RA 8976 provides for a Food Fortification Program which has two components:

voluntary fortification of processed foods, and

mandatory fortification of: milled rice with iron; refined sugar with vitamin A; cooking oil with vitamin A and wheat flour with iron and vitamin A.

As early as 2005, Seventy-one (71) processed foods are fortified and bear the Sangkap Pinoy Seal. The seal is an assurance of compliance to food fortification standard and good manufacturing practices. Processed food products fortified with vitamin A, iron and iodine include fruit juices, fish and meat products, instant noodles, cheese products, supplementary food for infants, snack foods and biscuits.

 

As of September 2008, some 258 products have been approved and included by the Department of Health - Bureau of Food and Drugs (DOH-BFAD) in the list of fortified foods under the Philippine Food Fortification Program. The list has 119 staples from 35 companies under the Diamond Sangkap Pinoy seal which have been fortified with a single fortificant or a combination of fortificants (vitamin A, iron, iodine). The staples include rice, flour, cooking oil, salt, and sugar. Another 139 processed foods with Sangkap Pinoy seal manufactured by 51 companies were also fortified. The major food categories include noodles, snack foods, infant foods, biscuits, breads and cereals, sandwich spread, cheese products, milk, chocolate and fruit drinks, meat and fish products, condiments and mixes.

 

 

Much has to be done, for sure. But the nutritional needs of our children was given a jumpstart because of a law authored by Mike Defensor.

 

For more references: http://www.ats-sea.agr.gc.ca/ase/4670-eng.htm

http://www.doh.gov.ph/ra/ra8976