Claim: “Astronaut pills” can be mass-produced to feed the poor
Rating: FALSE
Facts: During the confirmation hearing of Science and Technology Sec. Renato Umali Solidum Jr., Sagip Partylist Rep. Rodante Marcoleta broached the idea of Filpino scientists inventing a pill that would cure hunger, just like what astronauts feed on.
The problem is, astronauts don’t eat food pills in space. They eat freeze-dried food which are rehydrated and sipped with straws.
“Astronaut pills” are sold and are said to have a 25-year guarantee but they are not used in space. But they are far from cheap and accessible to the poor.
Also normal food in outer space will turn bland if you stay too long out there.
In short, food pills are a staple of 1950s science fiction which Marcoleta may be dreaming of.
Aiding farmers and the agriculture industry are still the best way that the country can feed the poor.
Why we fact-checked this: Be careful who you vote for. As most of them think they are intelligent when they get voted into office.
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