SOP Library
SOP NO:
GM-PG11
(List of Exhibits/Attachments)
Mission
:
Technical Support Services
Area:
Grains Marketing (GM)
Title:
SOP on the Implementation of Rice Fortification Program (R.A. 8976)
Date Approved/Issued:
06/20/2005
Date Effective:
06/20/2005
Digest:
I. TERMS OF REFERENCE
A. Rationale
B. Objective
C. Scope
D. Basis
II. IMPLEMENTING GUIDELINES
A.
General Policies
1. All rice, except brown rice and locally produced glutinous rice shall be fortified with iron by November 7, 2004. Rice fortification shall be done in phases based on NFA rice distribution plan. This shall cover the following:
a. NFA shall fortify with iron all its rice, following the available procedural technology aspect on rice fortification, prior to distribution.
b. All millers/traders of rice, except brown rice and locally produced glutinous rice shall be required to fortify their milled rice with iron.
In case the rice miller is not the owner of the palay for milling, the palay owner shall:
Ÿ
Inform the rice miller of the destination of the milled rice, whether for export, for production of other processed food product or for direct human consumption.
Ÿ
Be held responsible for his non- compliance in the fortification of milled rice that he sells or distributes.
c. Importers of rice except brown rice shall be required to fortify their imported rice with iron. The fortification may be done in the country of origin or upon arrival in the Philippines, provided that the imported rice has been fortified before they are released for distribution.
d. All retailers/wholesalers of rice shall sell only iron fortified rice.
2. Iron fortification of rice shall be based on the minimum standard requirement for iron content of IFR of 60 mg Iron (Fe) and a maximum of 90 mg iron (Fe)/kg raw rice as set by DOH-BFAD.
3. The word
“iron-fortified”
shall be indicated/printed on
all packages/containers
of iron-fortified rice offered for sale in the market. In addition to the Philippine Grains Standard Program (PGSP) labeling standard, the nutrition facts being required shall be indicated in small packages (1, 2, 5 kg) for retail.
4. All repackers of rice shall repack only iron fortified rice using packaging/containers which are labeled as prescribed by NFA.
5. Local manufacturers and/or importers/distributors of IRP shall be required to secure a license to engage in grains business with NFA. As a pre-requisite for NFA licensing, they shall secure a License to Operate from the Department of Health- Bureau of Food and Drugs (DOH-BFAD).
6. Compliance to the mandatory rice fortification shall be included in NFA’s requirements for registration/licensing of grains businessmen. This shall apply to both new and renewal applications.
7. For efficient implementation of this program, processing and packaging of Iron Coated Rice Grain Premix (IRP) shall be in accordance with the specifications presented in Annex A.
8.
Organization and Management
8.1 Relative to the implementation of the Rice Fortification Program, a
Committee on Rice Fortification Program
(CRFP)
was created by virtue of SO No. AO-02-07-017 dated July 17, 2002. The CRFP is composed of the following:
Chairman : Asst. Administrator for Stabilization
Members : Department Manager, BRD
Department Manager, DCP
Department Manager, TSD
Department Manager, FDC
Department Manager, TRDD
Department Manager, DMO
Department Manager, DTBFM
Department Manager, DPA
The committee is tasked to discharge the following functions:
a) Establish the program’s direction particularly the formulation and adoption of cost-effective and sustainable policies, strategies and action plans.
b) Coordinate with the concerned agencies, rice sectors and other entities to ensure effective planning and execution of the plans and programs.
c) Prepare and submit for the Administrator’s approval, the complete operational framework of the program for the entire agency and rice industry.
d) Perform other functions necessary for the efficient and effective implementation of the program.
A Technical Working Group (TWG) was also created to assist the CRFP in the performance of its duties and responsibilities. It is composed of Division Chief level officials as representative from the following departments:
Team Leader : Technology Resource Development Department
Members : Food Development Center
Department for Marketing Operations
Technical Services Department
Business Regulation Department
Department of Public Affairs
Enforcement, Investigation and Prosecution Department
8.2 Functions of the concerned departments shall be as follows:
8.2.1
Technology Resource Development Department - TRDD
TRDD shall be the lead department in the implementation of the program and shall undertake the following functions:
a) Direct the operational and technical supervision over the NFA field office counterparts in the actual implementation of the program;
b) In coordination with TSD, develop fortification procedures for NFA rice using existing NFA facilities (dryers, ricemills, etc.) and other rice fortification equipment (RFE), conducts pilot testing and commercial production of IRP and IFR and trains personnel involved in production and quality assurance of IRP and IFR.
c) In coordination with FDC , establish a Quality Assurance System (QAS) for IRP and IFR which shall be in accordance with and in line with the Food Fortification Regulatory and Quality Assurance System of the Food Fortification Program;
d) Assist FDC in the conduct of laboratory analysis of IRP and IFR.
e) Prepare NFA’s packaging and labelling standards for iron fortified rice to be included in the Philippine Grains Standards in close coordination with FDC.
8.2.2
Technical Services Department
a) Put up RFEs in areas where the rice fortification process shall be done.
b) Assist TRDD in the development of fortification procedures, pilot testing and commercial production of IRP and IFR and in training personnel involved in the production of IRP and IFR.
8.2.3
Food Development Center
a) Conduct physico-chemical analysis and sensory evaluation analysis of IRP and IFR
b) Assist TRDD in the conduct of research studies and activities relative to the technical requirements of the program and transfer of developed technologies to end-users.
c) Lead in the acceptance of IRP and IFR following the procedures in the Quality Assurance System (QAS) for IRP and IFR.
d) Prepare NFA’s packaging and labelling standards for iron fortified rice to be included in the Philippine Grains Standards in close coordination with TRDD.
8.2.4
Business Regulation Department - BRD
a) Formulate the regulatory policies, rules and regulations regarding the effective implementation of the program.
b) Supervise the implementation of regulatory requirements in the licensing of grains businessmen concerned in rice fortification.
c) In coordination with the concerned departments, undertake the preparation of training and reading manuals containing informations on the implementation of the rice fortification program to be used in trainings and advocacy.
d) Conduct training/briefing on the regulatory aspect of the program.
e) Lead the advocacy campaign on Rice Fortification Program in coordination with DPA.
f) Undertake the preparation and publication of Letter Circulars, rules and regulations, and other guidelines relative to rice fortification, in newspapers of general circulation in coordination with DPA.
8.2.5
Enforcement, Investigation and Prosecution Department
(EIPD)
a) The EIPD, along with its regional and provincial investigators, in coordination with LGUs shall assist DOH-BFAD in the conduct of regulatory monitoring activities such as routine periodic inspection/surveillance of grains business establishments to check compliance to the rice fortification program;
b) Enforce existing applicable laws and recommend the imposition of corresponding sanctions to non-complying grains businessmen. If the non compliance falls under the food fortification program, submit report to DOH-BFAD for their appropriate actions. If the violation falls under NFA Rules and Regulations, Circulars, Orders , etc., file corresponding administrative complaints with the NFA Hearing Office.
c) Maintain close coordination with different government entities like the Bureau of Customs (BOC), Philippine National Police (PNP) and Local Government Units (LGUs) in enforcement activities relative to the program nationwide.
8.2.6
Department for Marketing Operations - DMO
a) Ensure continuous supply of good quality IFR through local fortification using IRP and/or importation of IFR. In importing IRP and IFR, prepare Terms of Reference (TOR) for the supply of IRP and IFR;
b) Prepare distribution plan for IRP and IFR.
c) Identify high incidence of iron deficit areas in the country in coordination with DOH.
d) Identify blending/mixing areas taking into consideration the availability of rice fortification equipment (RFE).
e) Monitor compliance of the field offices on processing (local fortification) of NFA stocks based on the authorized volume.
f) Come up with dispersal plan (inter-intra regional transfers) to consider source/production areas and least cost.
g) Determine selling price for locally fortified and imported IFR including the issuance of the Selling Price Bulletin.
h) The DMO and other concerned departments (TRDD, TSD, etc.) shall monitor the rice fortification program with respect to utilization of rice fortification equipment, blending/mixing operation and the distribution of IFR. They shall jointly devise report format for submission of the field offices.
i) Conduct planning conference with the Regional Managers and Regional Economists for the IFR marketing plans (procurement, distribution, dispersal, blending/mixing, storage, packaging, handling, etc.) and conduct breifing pertaining to the implementation of the rice fortification program.
j) Formulate marketing operational policies and guidelines in coordination with other concerned departments.
8.2.7
Department for Public Affairs - DPA
a) Formulate and implement an effective promotions and information program using all available channels of mass media (print, radio and television and other forms of communications) to achieve greater public awareness on the Rice Fortification Program.
b) Assist BRD and other concerned departments in the conduct of trainings and other advocacy and promotional programs.
c) Prepare/produce relevant information materials regarding the program including audiovisual presentation and general art work particularly during fair and exhibits to give the program maximum exposure.
8.2.8
Department for Budget, Treasury and Fund Management (DBTFM)
Ensure the timely remittance of funds for effective implementation of the program.
8.2.9
Department for Corporate Planning - DCP
a) Monitor and evaluate the policies and the implementation of the Rice Fortification Program from its formulation to post completion.
b) Based on the evaluation, recommend and provide necessary information to effectively implement the program nationwide.
c) Conduct impact assessment on the effectiveness of the program.
8.3 The following committees shall be created in the field office level with the corresponding functions/responsibilities:
8.3.1
Rice Fortification Program - Regional Committee (RFP-RC)
shall be created to be composed of the following:
Chairman : Asst. Regional Manager
Vice-Chairman : Reg’l. Enforcement & Investigation Officer (REIO)
Members : Reg’l. Standards & Quality Assurance Officer (RSQAO)
Reg’l. Registration & Licensing Officer (RRLO)
Regional Information Officer (RIO)
Regional Engineer (RE)
Reg’l. Market Development Officer (RMDO) Reg’l. Operations Officer (ROO)
Functions/Responsibilities:
a) Formulate the corresponding operational and administrative plans and strategies in the regional level in order to effectively implement the program in all covered provinces.
b) Coordinate with the local DOH officials, Bureau of Customs and LGUs regarding the advocacy, enforcement and monitoring activities of the program.
c) Supervise advocacy, enforcement and monitoring activities of the NFA provincial offices within the region, closely coordinating with each other in the course of the program implementation.
d) Prepare and submit to the RFP National Committee, through TRDD, an annual evaluation report based on the over-all assessment of the progress of program implementation in their respective areas. The report shall include among others the effect or impression of the stakeholders, retailers, millers and consumers on the implementation of the program.
8.3.2
Rice Fortification Program - Provincial Committee (RFP-PC)
shall also be created with the following composition:
Chairman : Provincial Manager
Vice-Chairman : Prov’’l. Enforcement & Investigation Officer (PEIO)
Members : Prov’l. Standards & Quality Assurance Officer (PSQAO)
Prov’l. Registration & Licensing Officer (PRLO)
Provincial Information Officer (PIO)
Plant Engineer
Provincial Market Development Officer (PMDO) Provincial Operations Officer (POO)
Functions/Responsibilities:
The RFP-PC shall be the implementing operating unit of the agency in the management of the rice fortification program at the local government unit (provincial, municipal, barangay levels). It shall be responsible for the following:
a) Plan and implement the various projects and activities, particularly on the continuing advocacy, enforcement and monitoring activities in close coordination with the program committees at the regional and national levels and various cooperators from the government and private sectors;
b) Assist DOH-BFAD and coordinate with LGUs in the enforcement of existing laws relative to the rice fortification. Ensure that all rice millers, importers/distributors, traders, wholesalers, retailers, repackers, manufacturers/producers of rice and rice based food products and iron rice premix comply with such law including packaging, labeling and quality assurance standards;
c) Submit appropriate report on violations committed under the Food Fortifications Act to DOH-BFAD within reasonable time. On the other hand, appropriate santions on violations relative to NFA laws, regulations, orders, circulars, etc., procedure under Regulations XVII of NFA Rules and Regulations on Grains Business must also be strictly applied.
d) Work in close coordination with concerned cooperators (i.e. DOH, BOC, LGUs, etc.) as well as with the media, consumer organizations, NFA stakeholders associations, etc., in undertaking the program’s advocacy, enforcement and monitoring activities;
e) Execute a Memorandum of Agreement, if necessary, with program cooperators from the government and private sectors;
f) Extend technical assistance to grains businessmen in the adoption of appropriate rice fortification technology and establishment of RFEs.
g) Maintain official records and all other pertinent documentation on the program and regularly submit prescribed reports to the regional committee for monitoring and evaluation purposes; and
h) Undertake over-all assessment of the progress of the program implementation in their areas and conduct planning taking into consideration actual progress made.
B.
Specific Policies and Procedures
1.
Program Advocacy
1.1. The RFP- Regional Committee shall prepare the necessary timetable for the programs’ advocacy campaign activities which shall serve as a guide to the provincial committees in planning their own advocacy campaign schedule.
1.2. As part of the advocacy campaign, the RFP - Provincial committees shall conduct briefing/seminar to millers/traders, importers and other concerned grains businessmen on the Rice Fortification Program. The briefing/seminar shall include the technology on iron fortification of rice and NFA’s packaging and labelling standards for IFR and IRP
1.3. Attendance to this briefing/seminar shall be a requirement for the issuance of an NFA license. For this purpose, a Certificate of Attendance shall be issued to participants of the briefing/seminar.
1.4. The NFA - PM shall be responsible for the selection and training of the NFA personnel that will be utilized as resource persons for the briefing/seminar.
2.
Licensing
2.1 All local manufacturers, importers and distributors of IRP and IFR shall be duly licensed by the NFA. Applicants shall apply for a license in the nearest NFA Provincial Office by filling out an application form, pay the corresponding application fee and submit the licensing requirements. Local manufacturers and importers of rice premix shall also submit the License to Operate issued by DOH-BFAD and Certificate of Analysis issued by BFAD-LSD. No license to operate by DOH, no NFA license).
2.2 As an additional requirement for the issuance of a grains business license by the NFA, grains businessmen are required to submit to the NFA a one-kilogram representative sample of their fortified rice offered for sale/distribution, for verification/testing as to its iron rice premix/fortificant content. Only those who passed the NFA test shall be issued a Certificate of Analysis which is a pre-requisite in securing an NFA license. A reasonable fee shall be collected by NFA to cover the administrative cost and other expenses incurred for the service rendered.
3.
NFA Rice Fortification Production and Distribution
3.1. NFA shall procure IRP through centralized bidding at NFA Central Office based on the requirements of the field offices.
3.2. Sampling, inspection and evaluation of IRP shall be undertaken jointly by DMO, TRDD, FDC and other concerned departments following the prescribed procedure prior to its acceptance.
3.3. IRP shall be distributed to the field office based on the IRP Distribution Plan prepared by DMO.
3.4. Concerned PO shall fortify NFA rice following the prescribed rice fortification procedures.
4.
Regulatory Monitoring and Reporting System
4.1 EIPD/NFA Reg’l. & Prov’l. Enforcement Officers shall conduct a monthly inspection of grains business establishments i.e. rice mills, public markets, retail stores including arrival ports (for imported rice) to verify/monitor compliance of all concerned to the mandatory rice fortification requirement.
4.2 Report to DOH the names and addresses of millers and other concerned grains businessmen covered by the program that were issued licenses/registration/ certificates, inspected/monitored and on other data and status of compliance with rice fortification program.
5.
Administrative Sanctions
5.1. Non-compliance with the rice fortification program shall subject the offender to the 5imposition of any or all of the applicable sanctions provided in Rule XI of RA 8976 and its IRR and in Section 29 of PD No. 4 as amended.
5.2. Offenders of the mandatory rice fortification shall be reported to the DOH for imposition of the proper sanctions. NFA shall impose only the sanctions provided in Section 29 of PD No. 4 as amended.
6.
Funding
6.1. Expenses of the field offices in the conduct of various activities for the implementation of the program shall be chargeable against the regular budget of NFA regional, provincial and district offices, subject to the usual accounting and auditing rules and procedures.
6.2. NFA provincial offices shall pursue cost-sharing arrangement with stakeholders association, cooperators and other targeted beneficiaries in the conduct of advocacy activities in order to augment the limited resources available.
This SOP shall take effect immediately upon approval.
Date approved: June 20, 2005.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annex A
Product, Process and Packaging Specifications for Iron Coated Rice Grain Premix (IRP
)
1.
Physical Characteristics
1.1 Has the shape and size of a rice grain
1.2 Uniform in color
1.3 Brokens = 20% maximum
1.4 Has no off odor and other undesirable sensory characteristics
1.5 Clean and free from filth and filth fragments
1.6 Has a minimum shelf life of 1 year
1.7 Made from rice meeting minimum quality requirements of NFA Grade No. 3 for milled rice (Primer on PGSP Revised Edition 2002 page 6) except for % brokens and moisture content
2.
Chemical Characteristics
2.1 Contains iron from food grade ferrous sulfate
2.2 Contains adequate amount of iron to ensure a minimum mixing ratio of 1 part IRP to 200 parts Raw Rice
2.3 Moisture content = 13% maximum
2.4 Free of unallowed food additives including residual alcohol and/or solvent used in its manufacture
2.5 Heavy metals, pesticide residues and other environmental contaminants are absent or are within specifications of the Codex Alimentarius
3.
Chacteristics of the Iron Fortified Rice Produced from the IRP
3.1 The IRP is uniformly distributed in the raw Iron Fortified Rice
3.2 Iron content of IFR produced from the IRP after washing and cooking :
= 1.0% to 1.5% +20% milligram iron per 100 gram of the cooked IFR
3.3 IFR after washing and cooking, has no off-odor, color, taste and other undesirable sensory characteristics
4.
Production Requirements
With evidence of the use of an effective Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point Plan (HACCP) during production
5.
Packaging and Labeling
5.1 Labeled according to requirements of the Philippine Bureau of Food and Drug (BFAD) of the Department of Health (DOH) AO 88-BS.1984
5.2 Net weight per unit package is 25 kg or 50 kg
5.3 Primary packaging is made of film that will hold a vacuum. Secondary packaging is made of multiwall paper bag of adequate strength
5.4 Ink used for graphics does not smear or wear off
5.5 Well sealed
III. RESPONSIBILITIES
IV. FLOW CHART
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