• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
The director of the Dept of Science & Technology – Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) expressed her full support to the implementation and production of Iron-Fortified Rice and Iron Rice Remix by the CM & Sons Food Products, during the launching of IRON Plus at L’Fisher Hotel in Bacolod City Friday.
DOST-FNRI director Imelda Angeles-Agdeppa, said micronutrient deficiencies continue to be a significant nutritional concern in the Philippines.
As highlighted in the 2018 Expanded National Nutrition Survey of the DOST-FNRI, iron deficiency anemia mostly affects infants, women of child-bearing age, pregnant and lactating women, she said.
This condition can lead to premature births, maternal mortality, hinders physical and mental growth and development, and weak immune system, Agdeppa said.
As one of the cost-efficient and cost-effective approaches to curb micronutrient deficiency, the DOST-FNRI continuous to develop and roll-out nutritious and fortified food technologies, she said.
Agdeppa said food fortification, which involves adding nutrients to commonly-consumed foods to enhance their nutritional value, proves to be a viable method in reaching economically and nutritionally at-risk segments of the population. By consuming four cups of cooked iron-fortified rice per day, 40 percent of an adult’s iron requirement can be met.
“We at DOST-FNRI remain committed in ensuring optimal nutrition for Filipinos. We consistently research and apply innovations to food technologies, which are then licensed to qualified MSME’s across the country. This is aligned with and in response to DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr.’s mantra “Science for the People, One DOST 4 U,” she said.
“In every seed that sprouts, in every nutritional concern that is addressed, we find the essence of development. The partnership between technology innovators and the private sector marks the strong alliance that resounds harmonious symphony where research and development, production and distribution, merge seamlessly to create a crescendo of change,” Agdeppa said.
These play a vital role in the success of DOST-FNRI’s technology transfer, commercialization, and nutrition education initiatives, she said adding “Let us continue our mutual passion and mission to fight malnutrition and contribute to economic development.”*
