A PIONEERING endeavor to address malnutrition and iron deficiency anemia, CM & Sons Food Products, Inc. unveiled its latest innovation — the Iron Rice Plus.
Renowned for its well-loved Bacolod food pasalubong brand Merzci Bread & Pastries, the launching was held on Aug. 18, 2023 at L’Fisher Hotel, Bacolod City with Mr. Jonathan Manuel Lo, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of CM & Sons Food Products, Inc., in the presence of Dr. Imelda Angeles-Agdeppa, director of the Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI).
This pivotal juncture proves the company’s unwavering commitment to align its actions with the overarching goal of tackling malnutrition and promoting the comprehensive well-being of the community.
This endeavor is poised to transform the food industry’s role in advancing public health and overall well-being, specifically targeting improved nutrition within the community.
Central to this endeavor is the core idea of Iron-Fortified Rice for Nutrition and Overall Wellness (IFRNOW). This pioneering methodology encompasses the integration of cutting-edge technologies like “Iron Rice Premix” and “Iron Fortified Rice” from DOST-FNRI, underscoring the company’s resolute determination to remain at the forefront of nutritional innovation.
This dedication harmoniously aligns with the mandate outlined in Republic Act 8976 (The Philippine Food Fortification Act of 2000) for the enrichment of all milled rice with iron as a medium-term solution to counteract micronutrient insufficiencies.
Of notable importance, the launch of Iron Rice Plus represents a significant accomplishment in the Visayas region, marking the establishment of a cutting-edge facility dedicated exclusively to producing Iron Rice Premix and Iron-Fortified Rice.
This modern facility strategically positions Visayas as a leader in the domain of nutritional innovation and culinary technology on a national scale.
The significant prevalence of iron deficiency anemia within the country further underscores the essential nature of this effort, considering its direct consequences for educational potential and future societal contributions.
With a profound acknowledgment of the younger generation’s pivotal role as the foundation of a thriving society, CM & Sons remains steadfast in its commitment to amplifying their well-being and health, enabling them to achieve excellence in academic pursuits and various aspects of life.
The decision to enrich rice products with iron is strategically harmonized with the dietary preferences of Filipinos, who primarily revolve their eating habits around rice consumption, irrespective of their income brackets.
This strategy guarantees that Iron Rice Plus will exert a wide-ranging and beneficial influence on the nutritional panorama of the country.
CM & Sons Food Products, Inc., affectionately recognized as Merzci, has traversed an impressive journey since its establishment in 1995.
Commencing as a modest bakery supplying bread to a lone outlet at Libertad Market, the company’s evolution has been expansive, positioning it prominently within the food industry.
The transition from Merci to Merzci denoted a rebranding effort that deeply resonated with a diverse and expanding consumer demographic.
Going beyond its initial array of bread and pasalubong products, Merzci has transformed into a fast-food enterprise, skillfully meeting the needs of the professional workforce.
With the introduction of IRON RICE PLUS, CM & Sons embarks on a fresh chapter, underscored by an unwavering dedication to socio-economic betterment through elevated nutrition.
By aligning with the mission to combat malnutrition, the company not only reinforces its status as a trailblazer within the food industry but also shines as a guiding light of positive transformation, furthering the pursuit of a more robust and prosperous nation.
Agdeppa marked the event as a momentous occasion as everyone was gathered to celebrate not just the launch of IRON PLUS but also the embodiment of a vision that has been nurtured through unwavering dedication and steadfast collaboration with the government and private sectors to address malnutrition in the country.
“Micronutrient deficiencies continue to be a significant nutritional concern in the Philippines. As highlighted in the 2018 Expanded National Nutrition Survey (ENNS) of the DOST-FNRI, iron-deficiency anemia mostly affects infants, women of childbearing age, and pregnant and lactating women. This condition can lead to premature births, maternal mortality, hinders physical and mental growth and development, and weak immune system,” according to the director of the DOST-FNRI.
CM & Sons Food Products, Inc. has the largest facility nationwide for the Iron Rice Plus plant in Barangay Vista Alegre, Bacolod City./PN
For more information about the product, visit:
Website: https://ironriceplus.com.ph/
FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/ironriceplusph
INSTA Profile: instagram.com/ironriceplusph/
EMAIL: info@ironriceplus.com.ph
MOBILE: +639177007747
Credits: Iron Rice Plus
