FNRI's Food Analytical Service Laboratory (FASL) now a world class laboatory

The Food Analytical Service Laboratory (FASL) of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute - Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) was granted the renewal of its Certificate of Accreditation to the International Organization for Standardization/International Electrotechnical Commission (ISO/IEC) 17025 in the field of Chemical and Microbiological Testing. The Certificate of Accreditation was given by the Bureau of Product Standards Laboratory Accreditation Scheme - Department of Trade and Industry (BPSLAS-DTI) last April 4, 2005. Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Officer-in-Charge, Office of the Director, FNRI-DOST, received the certificate from Engr. Jesus Motoomul, Head, BPSLAS-DTI and DOST Sec. Estrella F. Alabastro during the short ceremony held at the DOST grounds after the weekly flag ceremony of the Department.

During the said ceremony, the Metal Industry Research Development Center - Department of Science and Technology (MIRDC-DOST) was also granted its renewal of Certificate of Accreditation for Chemical and Physical teating. DOST Regions 10 was granted Certificates of Accreditation for Chemical and Microbiological Testing while DOST Regions 7 and 9 were granted their Certificate of Accreditation for Microbiological Testing.

Engr. Motoomul stressed that ISO/IEC 17025 specifies the general requirements for the competence to carry out test and/or calibrations including sampling. He also pointed out that ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation demonstrates the laboratory's capabilities to operate a quality system for every aspect of laboratory management from sample preparation, analytical testing proficiency to report and record keeping.

This international standard is applicable to all laboratories regardless of the number of personnel or the extent of the scope of testing and/or calibration activities. This is the internationally recognized document used as basis for accreditation of laboratories by Accreditation bodies.

The renewal of FASL's certificate of accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 reinforces FNRI-DOST's commitment in complying with international standards, and dedication in providing quality service and assuring that qualified staff adheres to stringent quality procedures. This demonstrates FASL's competence to produce accurate results and technically valid data.

FNRI-DOST Launches Food Fortification Promotion Program

The Food and Nutrition Research Institute-Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) successfully launched the Food Fortification Promotion Program last April 13, 2005. DOST Secretary Estrella F. Alabastro and staff representing DOST agencies in the Bicutan Complex graced this half-day affair held at the FNRI Training Room. Invited speakers were Mr. Hector C. Maglalang, resident adviser, Micronutrient Operational Strategies and Technologies (MOST) and Ms. Tatiana V. Trebol, Director for Marketing, First Sugar Corporation. Also in attendance representing the private sector were Mr. Panny Paragas, Program Officer, MOST and Mr. Sonny C. Valencia of the National Press Club.

The launching which was highlighted by a symposium on the status of the food fortification program in the Philippines, formally sets the mood for the promotion of the food fortification program at the FNRI and in the DOST. This is in compliance with the DOST Secretary's directive to implement the Food Fortification Law at the DOST system. This involves the conduct of activities related to food fortification promotion and monitoring of activities being undertaken by other DOST agencies/councils.

The event was spearheaded by Dr. Zenaida V. Narciso, chair of the FNRI Food Fortification Promotion Program and OIC, Research Utilization Management Division, FNRI. In her opening remarks, she said that FNRI will be the coordinating body in the promotion of the Food Fortification Law at FNRI and in the DOST system.

Mr. Hector C. Maglalang, in his talk stressed that addressing the micronutrient malnutrition problem, citing figures from the 2003 National Nutrition Survey, would mean improved health and work capacity, efficiency, increased mental capacity, and reduced expenditures for the family. This would later have a positive domino effect on the economic situation of the country.

Enumerating the processed foods and products and private companies that comply with RA 8976 (Food Fortification Law of 2000), he advocated for incentives to be given to these companies to somehow augment additional fortification cost. He also noted that price increase due to fortification in food staples is minimal and still within reach of the consuming public. He reported that 30 to 40 centavos per kilo of oil and salt and one peso per kilo of sugar and rice is the added cost for the fortified staples.

Ms. Tatiana V. Trebol, Director for Marketing, First Sugar Corporation, shared about her experiences in production and distribution of fortified sugar using an FNRI developed technology, as a beneficiary under the Technology Business Incubator Program. She also expressed her gratitude to the support and assistance the FNRI-DOST has been providing their company on sugar fortification. She stressed that the additional cost of buying fortified sugar is incomparable to the health benefits the consumer will get from the product.
DOST Secretary Estrella F. Alabastro stayed interestingly throughout the symposium. She stressed that basic staples should be fortified with nutrients as mandated by law to eradicate micronutrient deficiency in the country.

In closing, Ms. Ma. Isabel Z. Cabrera, Supervising Science Research Specialist, Nutrition Science and Technology Division, FNRI-DOST, encouraged and challenged the audience to take part and actively involve themselves in the promotion of food fortification.