Question & AnswerQ&A (DOH DEPARTMENT CIRCULAR NO. 97, S. 2004)
The title is the 'Implementing Rules and Regulations for the Philippine Food Fortification Act of 2000' established by Republic Act No. 8976.
The mandated staple foods for fortification are all rice (except brown rice and locally produced glutinous rice), wheat flour, refined sugar for human consumption, and cooking oil for human consumption.
Rice must be fortified with iron; wheat flour with vitamin A and iron; refined sugar with vitamin A; and cooking oil with vitamin A.
Manufacturers are responsible for fortifying locally processed staple food products. If the manufacturer is not the owner of the raw materials, the tollee must notify the refinery or miller regarding fortification requirements.
Sanctions include denial of product registration, recall of non-compliant products, fines ranging from Php 300,000 to Php 1,000,000 depending on violation count, suspension or cancellation of product registration, and joint liability of responsible persons with juridical entities.
The DOH through BFAD is the lead agency responsible for implementing, monitoring, and registering fortified food products, setting fortification standards, and conducting promotional activities through programs like the Sangkap Pinoy Seal Program.
The SPSP is a voluntary food fortification program encouraging manufacturers to fortify their processed foods and use the DOH seal of acceptance once products meet defined fortification criteria, aiding consumers in selecting nutritious foods.
Exceptions include dietary supplements with prescribed standards by DOH through BFAD, foods intended for export, and those used in the production of other processed food products where fortification may affect the final product.
The NNC serves as the policymaking and coordinating body on nutrition, advising on food fortification, and conducting periodic reviews of mandatory fortification programs based on national nutrition surveys and assessments.
The agencies implementing the law must establish a quality assurance system for food fortification. Manufacturers and importers must also establish their own quality assurance that conforms to the implementing agency's system.