Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 8172)
The short title of Republic Act No. 8172 is "An Act for Salt Iodization Nationwide (ASIN)."
The State's policy is to protect and promote the health of the people, maintain an effective food regulatory system, and provide the entire population, especially women and children, with proper nutrition by promoting nutritional fortification of food to combat micronutrient malnutrition.
The main purposes are to eliminate micronutrient malnutrition, especially iodine deficiency disorders, require all food-grade salt producers to iodize salt, have the Department of Health set and enforce standards, involve Local Government Units in monitoring, regulate trading through the Department of Trade and Industry, promote technology transfer via the Department of Science and Technology, and ensure sustainability of salt iodization program.
Micronutrient malnutrition is a disorder caused by deficiencies in vitamin A, iron, iodine, and other essential micronutrients. Iodine deficiency disorders refer to a range of deficiencies due to lack of iodine, leading to physical and intellectual impairments such as goiter, mental retardation, cretinism, and other defects.
Salt producers/manufacturers are classified as subsistence producers (up to 2 metric tons/year), small producers (over 2 to 300 metric tons/year), medium producers (over 300 to 2,000 metric tons/year), and large producers (more than 2,000 metric tons/year).
The Act applies to the entire salt industry including salt producers/manufacturers, importers, traders, distributors, and government and non-government agencies involved in salt iodization activities.
Implementation is staggered: one year for large and medium producers/manufacturers, two years for small producers/manufacturers, and five years for subsistence producers/manufacturers.
All food-grade salt must be labeled truthfully and accurately, must not mislead purchasers, and must comply with requirements prescribed by the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD).
Violators may be fined between ₱1,000 and ₱100,000. Officers or members of juridical entities acting beyond authority may be personally liable. They may also face revocation of business permits and bans on their products from the market. The BFAD, in coordination with local government units, is authorized to impose and collect fines.
The Department of Health (DOH), through its Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD), is responsible for setting and enforcing standards for food-grade iodized salt and monitoring compliance.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) assists local producers in upgrading production to include iodization through financial help and soft loans. The Cooperatives Development Authority assists in cooperative formation. The Department of Science and Technology collaborates in technology transfer. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources identifies suitable salt farm areas for protection.
The NNC serves as the Salt Iodization Advisory Board, acting as the policy and coordinating body for salt iodization programs, coordinating efforts of agencies, monitoring implementation, and submitting annual reports to Congress with recommendations.
Yes, all food manufacturers/processors using food-grade salt must use iodized salt in their products within one year from the Act's effectivity, provided it does not prejudice the quality and safety of their products.
The DOH shall lead nationwide information campaigns on benefits of iodized salt, in coordination with LGUs, the Department of Education, Philippine Information Agency, and the private sector. Salt iodization is to be included in health education curricula at all levels.
For three years from the Act’s effectivity, the DOH shall provide free iodized salt to indigents in sixth class municipalities as budget allows.