By Mae Singuay

With the goal of curbing malnutrition in the Philippines, CM & Sons Food Products, Inc. is pioneering an endeavor that aims to address malnutrition and iron deficiency anemia by unveiling its latest innovation — the Iron Rice Plus.

The company, renowned for its well-loved Bacolod food pasalubong brand Merzci Bread & Pastries, launched its latest innovation product on August 18, 2023 at a hotel in Bacolod City, in the presence of Dr. Imelda Angeles-Agdeppa, director of the Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI), led by Jonathan Manuel Lo, president and chief executive officer of CM & Sons.

The launch symbolized the initiation of the company’s noteworthy achievement. This pivotal juncture serves as proof of its 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.

The primary emphasis is catering to the nutritional needs of various segments, including young children, adolescents, as well as pregnant and lactating women. This will be achieved by introducing Iron Rice Plus, which aims to fortify their diets and enhance their overall health.

Central to this endeavor is the core idea of Iron Fortified Rice for Nutrition and Overall Wellness. 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, or the Philippine Food Fortification Act of 2000, which mandates 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 the production of 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.

At the heart of this initiative is the fundamental goal of addressing malnutrition in the Philippines, with a distinct focus on sections of the population that are particularly vulnerable.

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 amplify their well-being and health, enabling them to achieve excellence not solely in academic pursuits but also in 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 realm of 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 undergone a transformation 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, one underscored by a resolute dedication to socio-economic betterment through elevated nutrition.

With the introduction of Iron Rice Plus to the market, the company foresees a meaningful path ahead, encompassing not solely the nourishment of the Filipino community but also the elevation of lives and the cultivation of a livelier, healthier future for everyone, especially young children and individuals contending with iron deficiency.

The launch of Iron Rice Plus by CM & Sons Food Products Inc. stands as a testament to the organization’s unwavering commitment to public health and well-being. 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, who felt honored to be part of the launching, marked the event as a momentous occasion as everyone was gathered to celebrate not just the launch of Iron Rice Plus, the Iron-Fortified Rice and Iron Rice Premix technologies of DOST-FNRI, 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 of the DOST-FNRI, iron-deficiency anemia mostly affects infants, women of childbearing age, pregnant and lactating women. This condition can lead to premature births, maternal mortality, hinders physical and mental growth and development, and a weak immune system,” the director of the DOST-FNRI said.

CM & Sons Food Products Inc. has the largest facility nationwide for Iron Rice Plus, located in Barangay Vista Alegre, Bacolod City.