Section 5Sec./Art. 5

Applicability.

a. This Act shall apply to the entire salt industry, including salt producers/manufacturers, importers, traders, and distributors, as well as government and non-government agencies involved in salt iodization activities.

b. Iodized salt that conforms to the standards set by the BFAD to meet national nutritional needs shall be made available to consumers: Provided, That the implementation of this Act shall be enforced over a staggered period of one (1) year for large and medium producers/manufacturers; two (2) years for small producers/manufacturers; and five (5) years for subsistence producers/manufacturers.

c. All food outlets, restaurants, and stores are hereby required to make available to customers only iodized salt in their establishment upon effectivity of this Act. These establishments shall be monitored with the help of LGUs through its health officers and nutritionists/dietitians, or in their absence, the sanitary inspectors to check and monitor the quality of food-grade salt being sold or served in such establishments.

d. In areas endemic to iodine deficiency disorders, iodized salt shall be made available. Local government officials at the provincial and municipal levels shall provide mechanisms to ensure enforcement of this provision through ordinances and public information campaigns.

e. All food manufacturers/processors using food-grade salt are also required to use iodized salt in the processing of their products and must comply with the provisions of this Act not later than one (1) year from its effectivity: Provided, That the use of iodized salt shall not prejudice the quality and safety of their food products: Provided, however, That the burden of proof and testing for any prejudicial effects due to iodized salt fortification lies on the said food manufacturer/processor.

f. Salt producers/ manufacturers shall register with the BFAD, which shall maintain an updated registry of salt producers/ manufacturers and shall monitor compliance with salt iodization program.

g. All food-grade salt shall be labeled in a manner that is true and accurate, not likely to mislead purchasers and in accordance with the requirements prescribed by the BFAD.

h. For a period of three (3) years from the effectivity of this Act, the DOH shall provide free iodized salt to indigents residing in sixth class municipalities as may be allowed by their annual appropriations.1aшphi1