Tuesday, November 18, 2008 FNRI okays enriched commodities for sale
THE Food and Nutrition Research Institute, an attached agency of the Department of Science and Technology (Dost), backed the commercialization of commodities and technologies found beneficial in uplifting the nutritional status of the public.
Topping the list of food products certified safe and healthy by the agency are vegetable noodles developed by nutritionists in Benguet.
Mass production of the vegetable-enriched noodles started in August, with markets in the Metro Manila areas serving as initial outlets.
Unlike food products and technologies advertised by commercial companies, Malou Galang of the FNRI assured the commodities and technologies the agency is promoting have proven their efficacy and benefits, as these have been validated by researches.
From noodles, vegetable-enriched breads are also being promoted. Flour produced from local raw materials including coconut, squash, rice and mongo, among others, are now commercialized.
The FNRI is optimistic further development and mass production of these alternatives for flour and wheat would address the country's reliance on imported flour.
Iron-fortified rice from Bataan, seen to address the problem of anemia in the country, has also been certified by the FNRI. (JC)
