By Leilanie G. Adriano
Staff reporter
LAOAG CITY—How much does it
take to localize the production of iron fortified rice?
For just an additional two
pesos per kilo of ordinary rice, one can blend its own iron-fortified kernel
which is essential for proper growth and development of the human body often
lacking in diet especially among infants, children, and women at reproductive
age.
In a techno forum held at the
Sangguniang Panlalawigan here on June 25, 2018, the Provincial Science and
Technology Center (PSTC) in Ilocos Norte in cooperation with Nutridense Food
Manufacturing Corporation urged local government units and other stakeholders
here to locally produce iron-fortified rice and help eradicate cases of
malnutrition in the province.
Racky Doctor, Nutridense
Manufacturing Corporation president said the company is looking for partners
here to spread the production and consumption of iron-fortified rice.
Nutridense Manufacturing
Corp. base is in Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan
In support of the Food and
Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology,
Doctor said the iron fortification program can also create employment as it
puts more value to ordinary rice harvest.
In an interview, DOST provincial
director Jonathan Viernes said Ilocos Norte residents can take advantage of it.
Under the Food Fortification
Law, it stipulates the mandatory fortification of staples like rice with iron
and voluntary fortification of processed foods with iron, Vitamin A and or
iodine.
Rice fortification with iron
started in 2004 but its adoption has been slow.
With improved technology, Mr.
Viernes expressed optimism local government units and other government agencies
and private stakeholders will support this move and make a great difference in
combatting micronutrients deficiency in the country.
The provincial nutrition action
officers, municipal social welfare and development officers and municipal nutrition
action officers of the different municipalities in the province participated in
the forum.
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