12 April 2021, Cagayan de Oro City – To ensure that only adequately iodized salt are distributed in the stores and establishments in Northern Mindanao, the Regional Bantay Asin Task Force (RBATF) X conducted the 1st Semester Salt Monitoring at Ozamiz and Malaybalay City Public Markets last 23 and 25 March 2021, respectively.
The monitoring teams were composed of the Department of Health Center for Health Development-Northern Mindanao (DOH CHD-NM), Philippine National Police (PNP) Regional Office 10, Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Salinas Foods, Inc. and National Nutrition Council (NNC) X. The teams were assisted by Misamis Occidental PBATF, Provincial Nutrition Action Officer (PNAO) Marichu G. Tijing and staff and CNAO Lelita G. Navarez in Ozamiz City, and Bukidnon Provincial Health Office staff and CNAO Eza C. Canonigo in Malaybalay City.
The task force collected salt samples in the major salt retailers/stores in both cities which were tested for iodine levels afterwards. Test results showed that all 11 salt samples collected from the Ozamiz City Public Market have iodine content. However, only one (1) salt sample is compliant to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) required standard of iodine content of 30-70 parts per million (ppm). Meanwhile, four (4) out of 10 salt samples in Malaybalay City are within the FDA required iodine content.
Subsequently, the task force posted the Diamond Seal sticker certifying the stores selling adequately iodized salt.
The monitoring results indicate the need to intensify the campaign on producing, selling and consuming adequately iodized salt, as well as its proper handling and storage. Iodine is a volatile compound, thus, iodized salt should be stored at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and in sealed container.
RBATF X advocated the organization of the Local Bantay Asin Task Force to both local government units (LGUs). Likewise, the conduct of follow-up and regular monitoring and intensified promotion activities were recommended. The City of Malaybalay was further encouraged to procure WYD Iodine Checker Machine, a highly precise, accurate, and sensitive tool for measuring salt iodine content.
The regional and local levels’ collaborative efforts in campaigning for the use of iodized salt will ensure that more households in Northern Mindanao will consume adequately iodized salt. (NO II Arlie Joy O. Damiles)
