BASCO, Batanes, March 21 (PIA) — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) conducted a fora at the Ivatan Conference Hall, Department of Education,on March 12 to campaign for 100 percent iodized salt utilization as a strategy to improve nutritional status of Filipinos.

The fora was attended by 29 barangay nutrition scholars in the province, provincial nutrition council members, Department of Health staff, provincial heath staff, and rural health units in the province.

The DOST and Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) in coordination with the provincial government explained that using iodized salt in processed foods such as tocino, hotdog, sliced sweet ham are better preserved than those with ordinary salt.

These foods have significantly higher iodized content and are more lasting than those with un-iodized salt explained by DOST personnel, Ma. Marcela C. Saises, Cecille S. Quindara, and Czarina S. Martines.

The provincial health office and Department of Health also encouraged every household to use iodized salt.

The BHWs and BNSs support the health department by monitoring the use of iodized salt in every household to protect every family from iodine deficiency disorders.

This is the implementation of ASIN Law RA 8172, the purpose of which is to contribute to the elimination of micro-nutrient malnutrition particularly iodine deficiency disorder through cost effective measure of salt iodization.