Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 228

Introduced by Representative Crispin Diego “Ping” D. Remulla

AN ACT
PROHIBITING PRODUCERS AND MANUFACTURERS OF BABY FOOD FROM
ADDING SUGAR TO THEIR PRODUCTS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Article II, Section 15 of the 1987 Constitution mandates the State “1o protect and
promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them.”

The early years of a child’s life are critical for establishing lifelong dietary habits and
ensuring optimal growth and development. However, in the Philippines, the current food
environment poses significant challenges to achieving these goals. A recent study by the United
Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) found that more than one-third of packaged food intended
for infants and young children contains added sugars or sweeteners. Notably, 87% of snack
products include added sugars, with no binding regulations to limit sugar content in food for
young children.

Given this information, it is an imperative need for a measure to prohibit the addition
of sugars to baby foods. This measure would support national efforts to combat childhood
obesity. In addition, this measure can protect the health of babies, support their development,
and promote healthier dietary patterns that would last their lifetime.


In view of the foregoing, the approval of this measure is earnestly sought.

CRISPIN DIEGO “PING” D. REMULLA


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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. __ 228

Introduced by Representative Crispin Diego “Ping” D. Remulla

AN ACT
PROHIBITING PRODUCERS AND MANUFACTURERS OF BABY FOOD FROM
ADDING SUGAR TO THEIR PRODUCTS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:
SECTION. I. Title. This Act shall be known as “No-Added Sugar on Baby Foods Act”
SEC. 2. Definition of Terms. For purposes of this Act the following terms shall mean:
4) Baby Food - refers to all consumed food other than breastmilk that is made specifically
for older infants and young children aged beyond six (6) months to thirty-six (36)
months old.
4)

c

Older infant - refers to a person aged 6 - 12 months old.
Producer/Manufacturer - one who produces imports, trades in, or distributes baby food.

d) Regulatory requirements - the provisions of all applicable laws, regulations, executive
orders, and other enactments related to food quality and safety, purity, nutritional
composition, and other aspects of food regulation or control.

e)

Young children - refers to a person aged 12 - 36 months old
SEC. 3. Ban On Added Sugar in Baby Food. No person or entity shall manufacture,
sell, import, or distribute in commerce any baby food containing added sugar.

The imposition of no-added sugar baby food shall not prejudice the quality and safety
of their food products for children. All baby food shall be labeled in accordance with the
requirements prescribed by the FDA.


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SEC. 4, Public Information. - The benefits and rationale of the use of no added sugar
baby food shall be adequately disseminated and promoted through organized, systematic, and
nationwide information campaign which shall involve major sectors of society to be
spearheaded by the DOH, in cooperation and coordination with the 1.GUs and other agencies
concerned.

‘SEC. 5. Penalties for Violation. - Whenever it is found that a baby food contains added
sugar, the DOH shall, after due notice and hearing, make the appropriate order for its recall,
prohibition, or seizure from public sale or distribution. Any person natural or juridical, who
shall violate Section 3 of this Act shall be subject to a fine not less than Three Hundred
Thousand Pesos (P300,000.00) but not more than Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (P500,000.00)
or by imprisonment of not less than one (1) year but not more than five (5) years or both, upon
the discretion of the court. In case the offender is a juridical person. the President, Secretary,
Treasurer and such other officers or persons responsible for the offense, shall be liable for the
penalty of imprisonment. If the seller, distributor or manufacturer of the injurious baby
containing added sugar is a foreigner, he shall be deported after service of sentence and
payment of fine without further deportation proceedings.

SEC. 6. Monitoring and Compliance. — The FDA shall conduct regular inspections
and random sampling of baby food products in the market to ensure compliance with this Act.
‘A compliance report shall be submitted annually to Congress.

SEC. 7. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the implementation of this Act
shall initially be charged to the appropriations of the agencies concerned as may be
appropriated, under the current General Appropriations Act. Thereafter, such amount as may
be necessary for its implementation shall be included in the annual General Appropriations
Act.

SEC. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty days (60) days from the
effectivity of this Act, the DOH shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the
effective implementation of this Act: Provided, that the DOH may call upon any agency to
provide information or assistance in the drafting of the rules and regulations.

SEC. 9. Separability Clause. — If any part, section or provision of this Act is held
invalid or unconstitutional, other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and
effect.

SEC. 10. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations or parts

thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.


1 SEC. 11. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
2 publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,