Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Queson City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
‘Second Regular Session

6757

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The 1987 Constitution. Article 11. Section 15 states that the “State shall
protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness
among them.”

In the Philippines, the labeling of “fresh milk” on the packaging of milk

tk sold at

products hee concemed consumers regarding the eafety and quality of

quality
market. Most milk cartons bear the label “fresh milk,” leading consumers to believe
that the contents are fresh. This manner of advertising is false because milk sold in
groceries, with expiry dates beyond a week, are pasteurized yet they still retain the

label “fresh”.

Most milk sold in the market are imported and therefore had to undergo ultra-
high temperature treatment (UHT) to withstand the amount of time needed to
transport the milk while remaining edible. Although of high quality, UHT milk is not
the same as fresh milk as it has undergone processing. Hence, the labeling of
pasteurized milk is not only false, it is misleading and inappropriate.

This bill seeks to prohibit the labeling of pasteurized milk products or UHT
treated milk products as “fresh milk” on packaging. With the proper labeling of milk
products, the bill can not only protect consumers but also the local producers of fresh
milk products.

In view of the foregoing, immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

\Y” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR.


Ronwhlie af the Dhilinninee
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Queson City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Reaular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 6757

Introduced hy HON, LIS RAYMIIND “I RAY” EVIL! AFLIERTE, JR

AN ACT PROHIBITING THE USE OF LABEL “FRESH MILK” IN THE
PACKAGING AND SALE OF PASTEURIZED AND PROCESSED MILK AND

PROVIDING PENAL TIES FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the “Milk Nutrition and
Labeling Act.”

SECTION 2. Prohibition. - Producers, importers, and traders of pasteurized and
processed milk are hereby prohibited from using the label “fresh milk” in the
packaging and sale of milk products.

SECTION 2. Panaltias — Producers, importers, and traders of pasteurized and
processed milk using the label “fresh milk” in their milk products shall be penalized
as follows:

FIRST OFFENSE: A fine of ten thousand pesos (PhP10,000.00)
SECOND OFFENSE: A fine of fifty thousand pesos (PhP50,000.00)
THIRD OFFENSE: A fine of two-hundred thousand pesos (PhP200,000.00)


SECTION 4. Separability Clause. — If any provision or part hereof is held
invalid or unconditional, the remainder of the law not otherwise affected shall

remain valid and subsisting

SECTION 5. Repealing Clause. — Any law, presidential decree or issuance,
executive order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation
contrary or inconsistent with the provision on this Act is hereby repealed. modified

‘or amended accordingly.
SECTION 6. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days
after publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general

circulation.

Approved.