DoST develops standards for muscovado production

The Department of Science and Technology (DoST) has developed standards for muscovado sugar production that would ensure a steady export market in Asia, Europe and North America.

DoST's Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) has standardized the local muscovado production process to ensure the quality of muscovado sugar being exported abroad.

ITDI experts said the standards developed started from the cutting of the stalk, harvesting, up to the production of muscovado sugar. They said standards include the need for processing control to eradicate dirt; following good manufacturing practices (GMP) covering personnel, buildings and facilities, equipment and utensils, water supply, and processes. Sugar canes should also be milled within 16 hours to avoid contamination.

ITDI came up with standards for muscovado sugar production after survey revealed that most muscovado milers do not meet international requirements, particularly the limited volume, high moisture content, high microbial load, color inconsistency, and short shelf life.

ITDI also introduced modern processing as traditional processing of muscovado sugar is 50 percent less efficient.

Premium muscovado sugar is golden brown to dark brown in color. It contains 1.5 to 3.5 percent moisture content and has a shelf life of at least nine months to four years.

Compared to white sugar's four calories per gram (cal/g), muscovado sugar or unrefined cane sugar is healthier as it only contains 2.75 cal/g. It also contains 187 grams of calcium, 56 grams of phosphorus, 4.8 grams of iron, 757 grams of potassium, and 97 grams of sodium. It is in demand in countries like Japan, Germany, Italy, France, South Korea, USA, Malaysia, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Canada, Australia, the Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Switzerland, and United Kingdom.

ITDI's standardization of muscovado sugar production was done in partnership with sister agency Philippine Council for Industry and Energy Research and Development (PCIERD), particularly on production process, cleaner production technologies, and promotions and awareness programs.

Muscovado exports jumped from 405 metric tons (MT) in 1997 to 1,186 MT in 2006. Antique province alone ships out some 150 MT of muscovado sugar every year.

source: mb.com