Cebu City – The Technical Working Group of the National Salt Iodization Program (TWG – NSIP) held its 4th Regular meeting last 18 to 19 June 2014 at the Crown Regency Hotel and Towers, Cebu City. Aside from the meeting proper, the team also conducted field visits to salt plants in the area, salt cooperatives, public markets, sari-sari stores, food service establishments, health centers, bakery and households.
NNC 7 provided support to the group, who conducted salt testing in the different areas where iodized salt was being produced, sold and used. NO II Nasudi G. Soluta went with Group 1 and visited the Arvin Corporation salt plant, the Brgy. Kasambagan Talipapa and Barrio Luz Market, Barangay Kasambagan Health Center and selected households; meanwhile, NO I Norre V. De Los Santos went with Group 2 and visited Artemis Salt Plant, Mabolo Public Market, Barangay Mabolo Health Center and selected households. The 2 (two) teams interviewed key persons and conducted salt testing using the WYD Kit.
The team observed that amongthe salt plants visited, salts tested were able to reach the desired iodine content; however, when it came to the salt tested in the markets and households, the test showed that the salt was way below the desired iodine content.
With the observations of the TWG – NSIP from the 2 day meeting-visit, the Regional Bantay Asin Task Force of Central Visayas would be able to make actions to address them. //DFB
