DOST-FNRI to launch kamote variant of e-nutribun
The Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) will launch on Friday, Oct. 15, another variant of its enhanced nutribun—the kamote (sweet potato) variant.
In an advisory, the DOST-FNRI announced the virtual launch of the newly developed enhanced nutribun sweet potato variant this week.
“DOST-FNRI will launch the Enhanced Nutribun Sweet Potato variant on October 15, 2021, 9 a.m.-12 noon,” it said on Monday, Oct. 11.
The Institute said the virtual launch is dubbed as “Ready, Set, Go! Enhanced Nutribun Sweet Potato”.
It “will showcase the nutrient profile, sensory attributes, and market potential of the new Enhanced Nutribun variant.”
The virtual launch will be livestreamed via the DOST-FNRI YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/DOSTFNRIYouTube
The DOST-FNRI said late April this year that it is eyeing to develop the “third variant" of its enhanced nutribun.
DOST-FNRI Director Dr. Imelda Angeles-Agdeppa said the public can expect the agency’s development of the enhanced nutribun kamote variant after DOST Secretary Fortunato “Boy” T. de la Peña asked the FNRI to consider developing the third variant of enhanced nutribun.
The FNRI’s first variant of nutribun is that with squash, which is rich in beta-carotene which is converted to vitamin A in the body, a micronutrient that is commonly lacking in regular meals of Filipino children.
The FNRI said the nationwide roll-out of the enhanced nutribun squash variant has provided livelihood opportunities to bakery workers and farmers.
Agdeppa said the tight supply and higher price of squash prodded them to develop the nutribun carrot variant, which is equally as nutritious as the enhanced nutribun squash variant.
The DOST-FNRI officially launched on April 28 this year its enhanced nutribun carrot variant.
The round-shaped enhanced carrot nutribun is a bread with natural fiber and has no artificial flavor and color.
"It provides energy, protein, vitamin A, iron, calcium, potassium, and zinc in significant quantities recommended for young children. It has zero trans-fatty acids (or trans-fats) and has no cholesterol,” the DOST-FNRI said.