PALO, Leyte - Iodine deficiency occurs when the body lacks iodine. Iodine is necessary for metabolism and thyroid gland to function properly. When severe, iodine deficiency can lead to neurological problems and intellectual disability in babies. Thus, fortifying salt with iodine is a major method of preventing iodine deficiency, to address IDD (Iodine Deficiency Disorder).

Iodine is made available from seafood and iodized salt. Using iodized salt is considered the cheapest and best intervention for the prevention and control of IDD since it is mostly used in cooking and other food processes. Philippines has achieved an adequate iodine status. However, iodine deficiency in the country remains a serious public health problem.

The Regional Bantay Asin Task Force (RBATF) Region VIII team convene for its first all face-to-face meeting spearheaded by Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Education (DepEd), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) Tacloban City, City Nutrition Office (Tacloban City), and Philippine National Police (PNP ROVIII).

The meeting discusses reason of the failed sample results done for the entire year (2021). The need for a strengthen coordination with major salt distributor in the country to uncover the root cause of the problem.

Whether there are lapses in the storage and proper handling after release from distributor, brought to and during shipment. Reason why there is a need to know the origin of the salt distributor in the region (VIII) and revive FDA Certificate to give and check before release. From the previous salt sampling it was not clear if salt sampling was for human consumption or for industrial use so it could be one of the reasons for the failed result.

Moreover, the team stresses the importance of ensuring adequate iodized salt is distributed in the region, along with constant monitoring and promotion of good nutrition. #NOI-RMS