Senator Raffy Tulfo called the attention of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) over the high amount of sodium content in instant noodles and sardines that are commonly consumed in poor Filipino households.

During the hearing on DTI’s proposed 2023 budget on Monday, Oct. 17, Tulfo brought a sample of instant noodles products and raised the concern on the sodium content ranged from 1,600 to 1,900 milligrams.

“Kung babasahin natin dito, napaka-taas ng sodium content. Ang allowed lang, sabi ng ating eksperto is 2,000 [milligrams] per day. Once a day lang yung sinasabi na 2,000 [milligrams],” he said.

“Itong mga instant [noodles], hindi lang once a day kino-consume ng mga mahihirap kasi this is the food they can only afford. Kaya nga ang tinatawag dito ay poor man’s food. Some of them consume twice a day, three times a day, at minsan may kasama pang merienda. So off the chart na po talaga kung bibilangin natin,” he added.

However, Tulfo clarified that he is not against selling the product, noting that this is only the food that low-income families could afford.

“So, hindi ko po nagpatanggal ito. Continue selling these because this is affordable para sa mga mahihirap. In fact, ginagamit ito kapag may mga kalamidad, ginagawang pag di-distribute, yung tinatawag na food packs para sa mga nasalanta ng bagyo,” he added.

But Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual contested and said that the concern raised was not under their mandate.

Tulfo, on the other hand, stressed that the DTI should have at least “decency” to refer the concerns to other government agencies to ensure that products sold are safe.

“I-refer ninyo po. Maging concerned din po kayo kahit na 'di po responsibilidad ninyo,” he said.

Pascual said he would refer the matter to the health department.