November 7 is National Food Fortification Day

By virtue of Republic Act 8976, the country observes the National Food Fortification Program every November 7 since year 2000.

In Olongapo City, Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. advises residents to be particular with the foods to buy in the market.

“To ensure the health of your families, I encourage you to choose products with ‘Sangkap Pinoy’ seals. These products are DOH and BFAD-approved and fortified with vitamins needed by our bodies,” explained Mayor Gordon.

The food fortification program is the national government’s response to the problem of micronutrient malnutrition. Food Fortification is the addition of micronutrients such as Vitamin A, Iron and/or Iodine to food, whether or not they are normally contained in the food, for the purpose of preventing or correcting a demonstrated deficiency with one or more nutrients in the population or specific population groups. Micronutrients are vitamins and minerals required by the body in very small quantities. These are essential in maintaining a strong, healthy and active body; sharp mind; and for women to bear healthy children.

The Philippine Food Fortification Program covers all imported or locally processed foods or food products for sale or distribution in the Philippines. Food fortification can be voluntary or mandatory. Examples of staple foods in the Philippines fortified with vitamins are rice with iron, wheat flour with vitamins and iron, refined sugar with vitamin A and cooking oil with vitamin A.

Pao/sara