Section 24Sec./Art. 24

National Iodization Program. - Notwithstanding the provisions of Republic Act No. 8172, iodization of artisanal and non-food grade salt and salt intended for export is hereby rendered optional in the country. The use of artisanal salt by food manufacturers and food establishments shall be allowed.

The salt produced by salt farmers shall not be automatically categorized as food grade, nor shall the burden of iodizing salt be on the salt farmers.

Food grade salt may be sold by farmers to salt processors in compliance with this Act provided that iodization shall be done by the processors.

Importers, traders and distributors of imported food-grade salt that will undertake fortification shall comply with the iodization standards set by the DOH.

For this purpose, the DOH shall develop guidelines for the implementation of this new mandate, taking into consideration international trade nuances and standards impacting on local food manufacturers and exporters.

The BFAR-FPHTD is hereby tasked to develop and implement a comprehensive program for the acquisition, design, and manufacture of salt iodization equipment and the further development of salt iodization technology.