Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — In a bid to promote public awareness on the importance of a balanced diet, a lawmaker is calling for food manufacturers to put proper labeling in their products.
Camarines Sur Rep. Rolando Andaya Jr. has filed House Bill 5719, or the proposed “Philippine Nutrition Label Act,” which requires food products in the Philippine market to be properly labeled to indicate their nutritional contents and provide allergen declarations.
“The proper labeling will provide the consumers with enough information pertaining to their food intake in order to help them make dietary decisions that can improve their health,” Andaya said in a statement.
If allergens are present, products are required by the bill to be labeled with warning and advisory statements in bold fonts. Allergens in the list of ingredients will also be emboldened.
The bill also mandates concerned government agencies to confiscate the consumer products proven to be hazardous to health and safety of the people. However, it does not cover those who are engaged in the wholesale and retail distribution of commodities.
Should the bill be passed, fines on violators will range from P10,000 to P300,000, depending on the gravity.
