FNRI clarifies ‘survey’on alcohol drinking

(The Philippine Star) – Sept 11, 2019

Greetings from the Department of Science and Technology’s Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI).

This refers to the article “Survey: More than half of Pinoy adults are binge drinkers” that came out in the Aug. 27, 2019 issue of The Philippine STAR written by Mr. Rainer Allan Ronda and published at www.philstar.com.

We appreciate that your publication features food and nutrition articles and reports on the data and information of the 2018 Expanded National Nutrition Survey (ENNS) of the DOST-FNRI. This helps us in our mission of providing accurate data, correct information, and innovative technologies to fight malnutrition.

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However, we would like to note that in the 1st paragraph, the article stated that “With proposed tax hikes on alcohol products set to be debated by Congress, more than half of the country’s adult population were found to be consuming large quantities of alcohol, a study by the Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Institute (DOST-FNRI) found.” We are concerned that the public may misinterpret the phrase “consuming large quantities of alcohol” as alcoholism. May we suggest that this be stated as “they are consuming more than the recommended amount of alcohol.” If consumption of alcohol beverages cannot be avoided, it should be taken in moderation per day as indicated in the 2012 Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos (NGF):

• women: not more than one standard drink

• men: not more than two standard drinks

One alcohol equivalent or standard drink is as follows:

• 1 1/2 oz. of distilled beverage such as gin

• 12 oz. (360 cc or 1 bottle) of beer

• 4 oz. (120 cc or 1/2 glass) of wine

• 1 oz. (30 cc or 1 jigger) of 100 proof whiskey

Also in the 3rd paragraph, the statement “2018 Expanded National Nutrition Survey (ENNS) found that 55.7 percent of the population are engaged in binge drinking,” it must be clarified that 55.7 percent currently drinking are 20-59 year-old adults and this does not refer to the whole population.

We hope that a clarification or erratum be made on this issue at the earliest possible time.

Thank you for featuring important Philippine nutrition data.