Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS:

First Regular Session

House Bill No. B11

Introduced by HON. ROZZANO RUFINO B. BIAZON

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to find ways to help increase public awareness on the potentially lethal
effects of food allergens. It is easier to cope with these conditions once the causes of these
allergic reactions are known and awareness and prevention programs are undertaken.

Article 2, Section 15 of the Constitution provides:

“The State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instili health
consciousness among them.”

Food safety is the assurance that the food supply does not pose an unacceptable risk to
human health. Several factors increase the hazards from the supply of food including rapid
urbanization, increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, increased travel, higher demand
for fast food, interest in ethnic and non-traditional food, new processing and handling
technologies, emerging pathogens, immune-compromised and susceptible populations, and the
‘emergence of allergens.

One area of concern involves the issue of food allergens. A food allergy is an adverse
immune to a food protein. They are distinct from other adverse responses to food, such as food
intolerance, pharmacological reactions, and toxin-mediated reactions, The immune system,
thinking the organism (the individual) is under attack, triggers an allergic reaction. These
reactions can range from mild to severe. Allergic responses include dermatitis, gastrointestinal
and respiratory distress, including such life-threatening anaphylactic responses such as
biphasic anaphylaxis and vasodilation, These require immediate emergency intervention.
Individuals with protein allergies commonly avoid contact with the problematic protein. Some
medications may prevent, minimize or treat protein allergy reactions. This is a significant
public health issue.

In view of the foregoing, the early passage of this bill is eamestly sought.

RO: sali bf
Representative

Lone District of Muntinlupa


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS

First Regular Session

House Bill No. _811

Introduced by HON. ROZZANO RUFINO B, BIAZON

AN ACT
TO RAISE PUBLIC AWARENESS ON THE NATURE OF FOOD
ALLERGENS

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Food Allergens
Awareness Act."

See 2. Declaration of Policy. ~Itis the policy of the State to protect and promote the *
right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them.

Sec 3. Definition. - Food allergens refer to normally harmless substances that trigger
an abnormal response in an allergic person. The immune system of a person with allergies
responds to an allergen in the same way the immune system responds to a germ or antigen.

Sec 4. Department of Health Campaign. ~ The Department of Health (DOH) shall
implement the following strategies for raising public awareness on the nature of food
allergens, the health implications of food allergens, and how persons with food allergens can
avoid potential complications due to such allergies:

(a) A wide scale outreach campaign utilizing print, radio, television, social
media and other internet-based public service announcements, advertisements,
posters, and other materials;

(b) Community forums;

(c) Health information and risk factor assessment at public events;

(@ Providing reliable information to policymakers;

(©) Distribution of information through local health agencies, schools,
employer wellness programs, physicians, hospitals, health maintenance organizations,

1


community-based organizations, state fairs, and department of health and senior
services offices;

(8) Identifying and obtaining educational materials that translate accurately the

latest scientific information on food allergens in easy-to-understand terms.

Sec
unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the pro"
valid and subsisting.

5. Separability Clause. — If any provision, or part hereof is held invalid or
ion not otherwise affected shall remain

See 6. Repealing Clause. ~ Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive order,
letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to or inconsistent with,
the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

Seo. 7. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in
the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,