Regional Bantay ASIN Task Force (RBATF) Region 02 halted and sent back to origin a total 0f 69, 111Kgs of inadequately iodized Salt in 2015 and 25, 000 Kgs in first quarter of 2016 through its strengthened Bantay Asin Checkpoint situated in Sta. Fe, Nueva Vizcaya.

According to Mr. Orlando Pichay, Head of Sta. Fe Bantay Asin Checkpoint, most of the shipments came from Pangasinan area, which is known for their massive salt production. However, noticeably the largest violator in 2015, 15,000 kgs in November, was from Arvin International Marketing Incorporation. Moreover, the 25, 000kgs reported in 2016 was also from Arvin International Marketing Incorporation, hence, the RBATF R-02 through Department of Health-Food and Drug Administration Region 02 (DOH-FDA R-02) will conduct a salt visitation in the said corporation to review and monitor their salt production and salt iodization processes.

Salt iodization program is one of the major programs of National Nutrition Council Region O2 to lessen cases of iodine deficiency disorder in the country. In an interview, Ms. Rhodora G. Maestre, Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator, emphasized that NNC R-02 through the RBATF R-02 will continue to assure the people of Cagayan Valley that only adequately iodized salt will enter the region. Further, she encourages people to patronize only iodized salt with 30-70ppm due to the beneficial effects of adequately iodized salt. She added that the organization is currently drafting resolutions and memorandum of agreement with the bus liners to subject their buses for inspection when they have passengers who carry salt. This will further ensure that only adequately iodized salt will enter the region.

Lastly, RBATF R-02 will continue its strict implementation of RA 8172 or ASIN Law and will strive to find solutions and alternatives in order to eliminate the presence of inadequately iodized salt in the region.