FOOD manufacturers should put proper labeling to their products to promote public awareness on the importance of balanced diet, a lawmaker said on Saturday.
Camarines Sur Rep. Rolando Andaya Jr. said all commodities should bear a label specifying the business address of the manufacturer and the nutritional contents of the product.
The label, Andaya said, should contain the number of servings and calories, vitamin, mineral, fat, saturated fat, cholesterol sodium, carbohydrates, sugar, dietary fiber, protein, and other nutrients.
“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, vice chair of the House committee on appropriations, said in filing his House Bill 5719.
It will also provide the consumers with information that can assist them to better understand the nutritional value of food products and get ample warning on the presence of allergens, Andaya added.
Andaya said if allergens are present, the food products should be labeled with appropriate warnings in bold forms.
Andaya’s proposed Philippines Nutrition Label Act, which mandates the concerned government agencies to confiscate the consumer products proven to be hazardous to health and safety of the people.
Under the measure, no commodity shall be distributed unless it conforms to the regulations of the Bureau of Food and Drug.
The bill does not cover those producers who are engaged in wholesale and retail distribution of commodities.
Under the bill, violators face a fine ranging from P10,000 to P300,000 depending on the gravity of the offense.
Andaya pointed out that the enactment of the measure will ensure the health and safety of Filipino consumers.