July 17th, 2022
House Ways and Means Chair Joey Sarte Salceda (Albay, 2nd district) has asked flour millers and bread makers to fortify their products with additional vitamins and minerals in anticipation of what the House tax chair calls “shrinkflation” or the reduction in serving size of certain goods instead of an increase in per serving price.
“Bread will probably be the hardest hit by shrinkflation. Wheat prices have increased by 165%. At that point, breadmakers will probably both increase prices and shrink sizes,” Salceda said.
In March this year, Salceda warned of higher bread prices as the Russia-Ukraine conflict affects trade of wheat.
“Egg prices are also threatening to go out of control. Sugar supply is already problematic,” Salceda added.
“What we are likely to see us shrinkflation. Goods getting smaller instead of higher prices.”
Salceda says that while the government continues to try to control price hikes and resolve supply issues, manufacturers and millers can “fortify their products with vitamins and minerals.”
“Secretary dela Pena also asked millers and breadmakers to consider other alternatives and additives to maintain nutritional value without increasing prices or reducing sizes significantly.”
“So, in the meantime, while we solve the structural issues affecting price and supply, we can adapt.”
Salceda already made the call to manufacturers in April.
Salceda says he will work with the Food and Nutrition Research Institute to come up with a prescribed guide for breadmakers to come up with bread at similar nutritional value but lower cost.
“Nutrition should be part of Science for Change, which is the DOST’s flagship program. This should be one of the most relevant and immediate applications.”