QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 8172)
RA 8172 is titled “An Act for Salt Iodization Nationwide (ASIN).” Its common name is ASIN.
To protect and promote the health of the people, maintain an effective food regulatory system, and provide proper nutrition—promoting nutritional fortification to combat micronutrient malnutrition as a priority health program.
To eliminate micronutrient malnutrition (especially iodine deficiency disorders) through salt iodization; require iodization of food-grade salt by producers/manufacturers/importers/traders/distributors; mandate DOH/BFAD standards and monitoring; require LGUs to check salt sold in markets; have DTI regulate trading; have DOST/TLRC transfer technology; make NNC an advisory/coordination body; provide mechanisms/incentives; and ensure sustainability of the program.
A broad spectrum of deficiencies from lack of iodine leading to reduced intellectual and physical capacity, manifested as goiter, mental retardation, physical and mental defects, and cretinism.
Food-grade salt is for human and animal consumption, distinguished from industrial salt, which is used in treatment/processing/manufacture of non-food commercial products.
The entire salt industry: salt producers/manufacturers, importers, traders, and distributors, as well as government and non-government agencies involved in salt iodization activities.
Large and medium: 1 year; small: 2 years; subsistence: 5 years.
Upon effectivity of the Act, they must make available to customers only iodized salt in their establishment, and they are monitored with help from LGUs (health officers/nutritionists/dietitians or sanitary inspectors).
In such areas, iodized salt must be made available, and provincial/municipal officials must provide mechanisms to ensure enforcement through ordinances and public information campaigns.
They must use iodized salt in processing and must comply with the Act not later than 1 year from its effectivity, while ensuring that use of iodized salt does not prejudice product quality and safety; the burden of proof/testing for prejudicial effects lies on the food manufacturer/processor.
It must be labeled in a manner that is true and accurate, not likely to mislead purchasers, and in accordance with BFAD requirements.
BFAD is tasked to set and enforce standards for food-grade iodized salt and to monitor compliance by food-grade salt manufacturers.
Through health officers and nutritionists/dietitians (or sanitary inspectors), LGUs must check and monitor the quality of food-grade salt sold in their market to ascertain it is properly iodized.
DTI assists local salt producers/manufacturers with technology upgrading via soft loans/financial assistance for machines, packaging, and fortificant, and ensures systematic distribution. DOST with TLRC develops and implements programs for acquisition/design/manufacture of iodization machines and transfers technology to small and subsistence producers. DENR (and appropriate agencies) identify suitable salt-farm areas and protect them from environmental risks to ensure sustainability of production.
NNC serves as the salt iodization advisory board/policy and coordinating body, coordinating efforts of concerned agencies, monitoring implementation, submitting an annual report to Congress, and offering recommendations for improvement.
Violations are punishable by a fine of not less than P1,000 nor more than P100,000. If committed by an officer/director/member of a business and the juridical entity acting beyond authority, the responsible officer/director/member is personally liable for the fine. The violator may also face revocation of its business permit and/or ban of its product from the market.
BFAD, in coordination with concerned LGUs, is authorized to impose and collect the fines; collections accrue to BFAD for use in implementing the Act.
It takes effect fifteen (15) days after publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) national newspapers of general circulation, whichever is earlier. The DOH must formulate the implementing rules and regulations within sixty (60) days from approval.