NFA to sustain iron-fortified rice program

By Andrew Doga-ong

BONTOC, Mt. Province -- The National Food Authority will continue the government’s Iron Fortified Rice (IFR) Program even as it urged different rice retailers to help sell the I-Rice to address micronutrient deficiency in communities.

NFA provincial manager Raymond Tafalla, in a meeting with the Confederation of Grains Retailers (GReCon) in the province, stressed the importance of the IFR program in reducing iron deficiency among school children and women of reproductive age.

The Department of Education and the National Nutrition Council have pushed for the IFR program since accordingly it contributed significantly in reducing iron deficiency among school children who consume the I-rice under the previous Food for School Program.

Tafalla said the IFR program is in line with Republic Act 8976 which calls for the mandatory fortification of staples such as rice, flour, cooking oil and refined sugar.

It also encourages manufacturers of processed foods to fortify their products under the voluntary system or the SangkapPinoy Seal Program.

The law seeks to address the alarming micronutrient deficiency in the country.

Rice fortification is the mixing of white milled rice with iron rice premix at a mixing ratio as set by the Bureau of Food and Drugs. Rice is an excellent vehicle for fortification because Filipinos are basically rice-eating people.

“We have to pursue the IFR program and sell the I-rice as required in RA 8976” said Tafalla after observing rice retailers are hesitant to buy I-rice for their stocks.

The retailers claimed that the rice consuming public are avoiding the I-rice due to its bad taste color when cooked.

NFA officials, however said I-rice tastes like ordinary rice except the color which turns grayish, an indication of the presence of iron.