The DTI-BPS is working with the Center for International Trade Exposition (CITEM), the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Product Standards (DA-BAFPS) and the DA’s Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) in developing a Philippine National Standard (PNS) on virgin coconut oil’s definition, essential composition and quality factors, labeling and methods of analysis and sampling.
Trade and Industry Secretary Juan B. Santos said with the increasing popularity of virgin coconut oil, "the DTI sees the need to standardize the production of the said product to safeguard the industry and, at the same time, maintain its strong potential for the international market."
The PNS would provide a common standard among the producers, distributors, users, regulators and other interested parties, Santos said.
Virgin coconut oil is obtained from the fresh, mature kernel of coconut by mechanical or natural means, with or without the use of heat, without undergoing chemical refining, bleaching or deodorizing, and which does not lead to the alteration of the nature of the oil. It is suitable for consumption without the need for further processing.
As specified in the proposed PNS, the quality characteristics of the product should be colorless, sediment-free with natural fresh coconut scent and free from rancid odors or tastes.
It is required to have a maximum of .20 percent moisture and volatile content to prevent rancidity and should not contain food additives.
In addition, the label of each package should have the following: name of product, brand name or trade name, net content, lot identification, name and address of the manufacturer and or packer, or distributor, the phrase "Product of the Philippines", type of process, date manufactured and "Best Before" stamp and BFAD registration number and an optional bar code.
Virgin coconut oil is used for therapeutic and wellness purposes.
Among its many uses are as skin moisturizer, hair growth enhancer, as treatment for burns, inflammatory and allergic conditions, anti-lice, anti-dandruff, anti-fungal, anti-acne, and anti-bacteria.
Santos has also directed the DTI brand manager for organic and natural products Girlie Sarmiento to meet with the various stakeholders in the industry and plot out the development and export of the product in the international market.
"Through the PNS on virgin coconut oil, the specifications for what qualifies as virgin coconut oil are established. Now, the industry has a reference standard to follow that would enable them to further improve their products to be globally competitive," DTI-BPS director Jesus L. Motoomull said.