In an online meeting conducted by the National Nutrition Council - NCR on January 18, 2021 via Zoom, the members of the Regional Technical Working Group on Salt Iodization Program (RTWG-SIP) and Local Bantay Asin Task Forces (LBATF) of the 17 cities and municipality in Metro Manila discussed activities that will intensify the implementation of the salt iodization program (SIP) in the region despite the current pandemic.

At the meeting, both the RTWG-SIP or the Regional Bantay Asin Task Force (RBATF) and LBATFs recognized the need to intensify the monitoring and promotion of SIP in the region and thought of ways on how to do this.

The members of the regional and local Bantay Asin Task Forces will use their respective agencies and local nutrition committees’ social media pages to create greater  awareness on the importance of iodized salt in preventing iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) and the law that supports it – the Republic Act 8172 or “An Act for Salt Iodization Nationwide (ASIN Law)”.  

The ASIN Law aims to contribute to the elimination of micronutrient malnutrition in the country, particularly iodine deficiency disorders through the cost-effective preventive measure of salt iodization.  The law requires all food outlets, restaurants, and stores to make available to consumers only iodized salt in their establishment and that the iodized salt should conform to the standards set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 

In support of the ASIN Law, the LBATFs will continue to monitor sari-sari stores, groceries, supermarkets, and other establishments to ensure that salt sold in markets and other retail stores should not only be iodized but are adequately iodized.

Other activities that the regional BATF members will conduct this year include the conduct of iodized salt promotional activities among their employees and clients and integration of RA 8172 compliance monitoring in their program monitoring activities.

The LBATFs, on the other hand, will continue to conduct activities in support of the law such as awareness campaign and promotional and advocacy activities among their clients and stakeholders.

The regional and local BATFs commit to intensify promotion of the use of iodized salt amid the pandemic through various strategies to prevent goiter and iodine deficiency disorders. 

Written by:
NOIII Emerenciana L. Francia and
NPC Milagros Elisa V. Federizo