Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Wednesday assured the public that it is enforcing strict quality control measures to ensure the safety and quality of family food packs (FFPs) distributed to families affected by calamities.
According to Philippines News Agency, Assistant Secretary Leo Quintilla of the DSWD's Resource and Logistics Management stated that the department implements stringent quality control measures to ensure that all food items, including rice, canned goods, coffee, and choco malt drinks, are clean, in good condition, and safe for consumption. This statement came after reports surfaced that some individuals allegedly complained of an unpleasant smell from the rice included in the DSWD's FFPs.
Quintilla emphasized that the department immediately coordinated with its Field Office in the Bicol Region to verify these reports. However, the field office confirmed that they had not received any complaints about the rice's odor. Rice service providers are required to submit certifications to the DSWD, confirming that the rice meets prescribed quality standards. These standards include being well-milled; having no more than 14 percent moisture content; being white to creamy white in color; and being free from objectionable odors, infestation, and other contaminants.
The certification must also indicate that the rice was milled within zero to three months before the date of delivery. Quintilla reiterated that the DSWD scrutinizes the rice thoroughly and ensures that it is new, not expired, and safe to eat.
The department also follows the first-expiry, first-out (FEFO) system to ensure that food items with earlier expiration dates are distributed first, minimizing food waste and preventing spoilage. Quality Assurance and Control personnel directly supervise and oversee product handling and dispatch operations, conducting pre-delivery inspections of hauling vehicles to ensure compliance with food safety requirements.
DSWD personnel also inspect the condition of FFP boxes during unloading at regional and local government unit (LGU) warehouses. Any box showing signs of moisture damage, deformities, tearing, or puncture is immediately isolated for non-distribution.
The FFPs aim to provide immediate food assistance to families affected by disasters and other emergencies. Each pack contains six kilograms of rice, four cans of tuna flakes, four cans of corned beef, two cans of sardines, five sachets of instant coffee, and five sachets of choco malt drink. The composition of the FFPs has been endorsed by the National Nutrition Council and aligns with the Recommended Energy and Nutrient Intake formulated by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute.
Quintilla urged the public to report any concerns regarding relief items to the DSWD, its field offices, or their respective LGUs. As of September 1, the DSWD had distributed more than 2.4 million boxes of FFPs to families and individuals affected by the recent storm and the southwest monsoon. The department also maintains PHP5.63 billion worth of stockpiles and quick response funds available for augmentation support to affected LGUs.
