Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Diliman, Quezon City

20" CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 1298

Introduced by: HON. MARK ANTHONY G. SANTOS

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill aims to require all restaurants and similar food establishments with a
total capital investment of at least one million pesos (P1,000,000.00) to disclose
and visibly display the nutritional information and calorie content of their food
and beverages—either directly on the menu or prominently in areas easily seen
by customers.

In line with Section 15, Article II of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which states
that “The State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and
instill health consciousness among them,” this proposed measure seeks to
translate constitutional intent into practical legislation that prioritizes public
health.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the international health crisis highlighted the
importance of physical well-being alongside economic stability. Good nutrition
is essential in strengthening the immune system and preventing lifestyle-related
diseases. Moreover, many individuals have specific dietary needs, such as low-
sodium and low-fat diets for those with hypertension, low-sugar diets for
diabetics, and high-fiber meals for those with digestive concerns.

By making nutritional information readily accessible in dining establishments,
this measure encourages the public to make informed food choices aligned with
their health needs. Beyond transparency, this bill aims to cultivate greater health
awareness and empower Filipinos to adopt healthier lifestyles.


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

Representative, Lone District of Las Pifias


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Diliman, Quezon City

20" CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 1298

Introduced by: HON. MARK ANTHONY G. SANTOS

AN ACT MANDATING RESTAURANTS AND FOOD
ESTABLISHMENTS TO DISCLOSE AND DISPLAY THE
NUTRITIONAL CONTENTS OF THEIR FOOD AND BEVERAGES

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

SECTION 1. Title. — This Act shall be known as the “Nutrition and
Calorie Information Act of 2022.”

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is hereby declared the policy of
the State to protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health
consciousness among them.

SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. — As used in this Act, the following
terms shall mean:

1. Food Establishment - A business establishment that prepares and
sells food and beverages to consumers.

2. Food on Display - Food that is visible to the consumers upon
entering their establishments.

3. Nutritional Content - Information on the nutrition of certain meals,
food or beverages offered to the public for consumption.

4. Package - Means any container or wrapping in which any consumer


commodity is enclosed for use in the delivery or display of that
consumer commodity to retail purchasers.

. Label - Means any written, printed, or graphic matter affixed to any
consumer commodity or affixed to, or appearing upon a package
containing any consumer commodity.

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6. Food Allergen - An ingredient in food or beverages that may cause
an allergic reaction which poses a risk to human health

SECTION 4. Covered Establishments. Restaurants or food
establishments, whether owned by a natural or juridical person, having a total
capital of One Million pesos (P1,000,000.00) are covered by the provisions of
this Act.

SECTION 5. Disclosure of Nutritional Contents. — For each standard
menu item offered for sale, covered establishments shall, in a clear and
conspicuous manner, disclose the corresponding nutrient content, in the manner
as follows:

a.) Adjacent to the name of each standard menu item, the total calorie
content per serving size or other unit of measure must be displayed

b.) Establishments must make detailed nutritional information available in
a written format within their premises and upon customer request. A prominent
statement on the menu board must inform customers of this availability. This
detailed information must include, for each serving size or other unit of measure,
the amount of:

i. Total fats;

ii. Trans fats;

iii. Saturated fat;

iv. Cholesterol;

v. Sodium;

vi. Total Carbohydrates;
vii. Dietary fiber;

. Sugars; and

ix. Protein

c.) Menus must also indicate, adjacent to the food or beverage listing, if the
item contains any spice, flavoring, coloring, or incidental additive that is, or
contains, a major food allergen.


SECTION 6. Self-Service Menu Items. — For standard menu items sold
at salad bars, buffet lines, cafeteria lines, or similar self-service facilities, and for
self-service items on display, covered establishments must place a sign or label
adjacent to each item stating its nutritional content..

SECTION 7. Variable Menu Items. — For variable menu items, caloric
and nutrient content disclosure must be made for each flavor or variety. However,
for variable standard menu items where ingredients are chosen by customers,
disclosure must be made separately for each ingredient, topping, add-on, or
variable component at a given quantity, whether on a posted list, in a package, or
adjacent to the container.

SECTION 8. Compliance Certificate Requirement. — All restaurants
and similar food establishments are directed to apply for and secure, within five
(5) months from the effectivity of this Act, a Nutrition Disclosure Compliance
Certificate from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This certificate will
be valid for two (2) years from its issue date, unless otherwise provided.

SECTION 9. Penalty. — Any person or juridical person found in violation
of this Act will be punished with a fine of ten thousand pesos (P10,000) for a first
offense, twenty thousand pesos (P20,000) for a second offense, and thirty
thousand pesos (P30,000) for a third offense.

SECTION 10. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — Within sixty
(60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the Director General of the Food and
Drug Administration will promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for its
effective implementation.

SECTION 11. Separability Clause. — If any provision or part of this Act
is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the provisions not otherwise affected will
remain valid and subsisting.

SECTION 12. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, orders, issuances,
tules or regulations contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are
hereby repeated, modified or amended accordingly.

SECTION 14. Effectivity Clause — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15)
days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general
circulation.