Section 1. Title. — This Act shall be known as "An Act for Salt Iodization Nationwide (ASIN)."

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is hereby declared the policy of the State to protect and promote the health of the people, to maintain an effective food regulatory system, and to provide the entire population especially women and children with proper nutrition. For this purpose, the State shall promote the nutritional fortification of food to combat micronutrient as a priority health program for the nation.

Sec. 3. Purposes. — The purposes of this Act are to:chan robles virtual law library

(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 the 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.chan robles virtual law library

(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 manufacturers/processor.

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

Sec. 6. Support to the Salt Industry. — The following agencies and institutions shall support the salt iodization program through their respective internal programs.

Sec. 8. The Salt Iodization Advisory Board. — The National Nutrition Council (NNC), as presently composed, including representatives of the DENR, the medical profession and the salt manufacturers shall serve as the salt iodization advisory board and shall function as the policy and coordinating body on salt iodization programs and activities. It shall coordinate the efforts of all agencies concerned and monitor the implementation of the provisions of this Act. It shall also submit an annual report to the Congress of the Philippines on the progress of the salt iodization program and offer recommendations for its improvements.chan robles virtual law library

Sec. 9. Sanctions. — The procedures for imposing sanctions under this Act and for inspecting and investigating the premises where any salt is received, held, manufactured, labeled, stored, displayed, delivered, distributed, sold, or located. or where it is reasonably believed these activities are being carried out or where salt is located, shall be in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 3720, otherwise known as the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, as amended: Provided, That any person, whether natural or juridical, who violates any of the provisions of this Act or any of the rules and regulations promulgated for its effective implementation shall be punished by a fine of not less than One thousand pesos (P1,000) nor more than One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000): Provided, however, That if the violation is committed by any officer, director or member of a business and a juridical entity acting beyond the scope of his authority, such officer, director or member responsible therefor shall be personally liable for the fine: Provided, further, That such violator shall suffer a revocation of its business permit and/or a ban of its product from the market: Provided, finally, That the BFAD, in coordination with the LGUs concerned, shall be authorized to impose and collect the fines from the violators, and such collections shall accrue to the BFAD for its use in the implementation if this Act.

Sec. 10. Appropriations. — The amount necessary for the implementation of this Act shall initially be charged to the appropriations of the agencies concerned as may be appropriated, under the current General Appropriations Act. Thereafter, such amount as may be necessary for its implementation shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

Sec. 11. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — The DOH in cooperation with the agencies concerned shall formulate the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act within sixty (60) days from its approval.

Sec. 12. Separability Clause. — If any portion of this Act is declared invalid, the remainder of this Act shall not be affected by such declaration and shall remain valid and enforceable.chan robles virtual law library

Sec. 13. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) national newspaper of general circulation, whichever is earlier.