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

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 2661

Introduced by REP. NATHANIEL “Atty. Nat” M. ODUCADO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

High sodium intake is strongly linked to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), such as
hypertension, kidney problems, heart disease, and stroke. Heart disease alone accounts for
more than 60,000 deaths annually or 19.8% of the total registered deaths, and remains the
leading cause of mortality among Filipinos.'?

Meanwhile, in 2023, the Philippine government spent PhP 17.3 billion through PhilHealth for
3.6 million claims by hemodialysis patients. In 2024, the annual package coverage for
hemodialysis increased to PhP990,600 per patient,** making it one of the most expensive single
treatment packages in the national health insurance system. This substantial expenditure
reflects both the scale of the problem and the urgent need for preventive interventions, such as
sodium reduction.

Excessive sodium intake is a major contributor to hypertension and chronic kidney diseases,
which significantly drive up healthcare costs. Filipinos consume an average of 4,113 mg of
sodium per day or 10.4 grams of salt, which is more than double the World Health
Organization’s (WHO) recommended daily limit of 2,000 mg.’ This excessive intake is one
the key drivers of the country’s growing NCD burden.

This bill seeks to reduce the burden of NCDs and promote public health through the mandatory
reformulation of high-sodium prepackaged food products, including sauces and condiments. It
introduces maximum sodium limits for specific food categories that are major contributors to
sodium intake in Filipino diets. The bill adopts a Stepwise Approach to reformulation, which
involves a gradual reduction of sodium in food products, implemented in phases, to allow
consumers to adjust to the taste changes while giving the food industry time to adapt through
research and development.

The bill mandates the Department of Health (DOH), in coordination with the Food and Drug.
Administration (FDA), the Department of Science and Technology - Food and Nutrition

"Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Registered Deaths inthe Philippines. 2028, valable at tps:lipsagov.phVcontent/2024-causes-
death philippines-provisiona-30-noverbcr-2024
"Tan Brow eal, Salt Intakes around the World: Implications fr Public Health, 38 NJ EPID: Mt. 791 (2008).

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Research Institute (DOST-FNRI), and other concemed agencies, to develop and implement
sodium reduction targets and public education initiatives. It also requires the DOH to establish
and regularly update data on dietary sodium intake across population groups. to guide policy
direction, track progress, and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.

By enacting this measure, the State upholds its constitutional duty to protect and promote the
right to health of all Filipinos. Sodium reformulation is among the most cost-effective public
health strategies to prevent premature deaths, reduce demand for dialysis, and lessen the long-
term burden of NCDs on the healthcare system and economy.°

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

EL “ATTY. NAT”
1 Tabanan Party Li

World Health & Organization & United Nations Development Programme. Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases inthe
Philippines: The Case for Investment (2019)


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

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

2661

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by REP. NATHANIEL “Atty. Nat” M. ODUCADO

AN ACT
STRENGTHENING PUBLIC HEALTH THROUGH THE MANDATORY
REFORMULATION OF HIGH-SODIUM PREPACKAGED FOOD PRODUCTS TO
REDUCE SODIUM CONSUMPTION AND PREVENT NON-COMMUNICABLE
DISEASES

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

ARTICLE
GENERAL PROVISIONS

SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the “Sodium Intake Reduction
Act”.

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is the policy of the State to protect and
promote the right to health of all Filipinos and instill health consciousness among them. The
State shall safeguard consumers from excessive dietary sodium intake, a major contributor to
non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and kidney
diseases, by ensuring a healthier food environment. The State also recognizes the importance
of enabling Filipinos to make informed food choices and seeks to promote transparency in
sodium content and access to healthier options. To this end. the State shall require the
reformulation of prepackaged food products to gradually reduce sodium levels.

SECTION 3. Objectives. — This Act seeks to:

(a) Reduce population-wide sodium intake by requiring the reformulation of high-sodium
prepackaged food products, including condiments and sauces, through a Stepwise
Approach;

(b) Establish phased and science-based sodium reduction targets for high-impact food
categories along with regular and timely monitoring of their consumption;

(c) Promote public awareness on the health risks of excessive sodium intake and encourage
healthier food choices; and


(d) Foster collaboration among government, industry, and civil society to ensure effective
and sustainable sodium reduction efforts.

SECTION 4. Definition of Terms. — For the purposes of this Act, the following terms
shall be defined as follows:

(a) Baseline Data for Population Dietary Sodium Intake refers to the initial set of data
collected and maintained by the Department of Health (DOH), in collaboration with the
Department of Science and Technology—Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-
FNRI), to assess sodium consumption patterns among Filipinos. This data informs the
establishment and periodic adjustment of sodium reformulation targets and public
health strategies;

(b) Dietary sodium intake refers to the total amount of sodium consumed from food and
beverages, including naturally occurring sodium, added sodium in processed foods,
discretionary salt use, and sauces and condiments. Typically measured in milligrams
(mg) per day, it is a key factor in assessing the risk of hypertension and other excessive
sodium intake-related diseases and is influenced by eating habits, food processing
methods, and seasoning use;

(©) Food refers to any substance or product, whether processed, partially processed, or
unprocessed that is intended for human consumption. It includes drinks, chewing gum,
water, condiments, sauces, and other substances that were used as an ingredient or a
component in the manufacture, preparation, or treatment of food, such as oils and fats,
whether sold alone or incorporated in processed food and/or prepackaged food;

(d) Food Business Operators refer to a person engaged in the food business and is
responsible for ensuring that the requirements under this Act and existing laws are met
by the food business under one’s control;

(©) High-impact food categories refer to prepackaged food products identified based on
national dietary assessments and monitoring data as major contributors to population
sodium intake. These categories may include processed meats, instant noodles, sauces,
condiments, and other widely consumed high-sodium products;

() Maximum sodium limits refer to the highest allowable sodium content for
prepackaged food products within specific food categories, as determined by the
Department of Health (DOH). These limits are designed to be progressively reduced
over time in alignment with national public health objectives;

(g) Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) refer to food businesses as defined
in Republic Act No. 9501 or the "Magna Carta for Micro, Small and Medium
Enterprises (MSMEs)";

(h) National Sodium Content Database refers to a centralized repository established and
maintained by the DOH, in collaboration with the Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) and the DOST-FNRI, to track and monitor sodium levels in prepackaged food
available in the Philippine market. This database supports regulatory compliance,
policy adjustments, and public health monitoring;

(i) Prepackaged food refers to processed food prepared in advance and placed in a
container, labelled and ready for sale or distribution, or for catering purposes;


(i) Processed food refers to food that has been subjected to some degree of processing
(c.g. milling, drying, concentrating, canning, etc.) which partially or completely
changes the physicochemical and/or sensory characteristics of the raw material;

(k) Sodium refers to a chemical element that exists naturally in food, associated with other
molecular residues or atoms as an iconic bond, forming chemical salts. It is of great
importance since it helps maintain the water balance of any organism. constituting its
most common compound, sodium chloride or what is usually called table salt. Likewise,
other sodium salts of industrial origin include monosodium glutamate (flavor
enhancer); sodium benzoate, sodium acetate, sodium bicarbonate (acidity regulators
and preservatives); sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate (acidity regulator); sodium
erythorbate (antioxidant), among others. One gram of ‘table salt’ contains 400mg of
sodium (alternatively, 1 gram of sodium is equivalent to 2.5 grams of table salt):

() Sodium content refers to the total amount of sodium present in a food product, whether
naturally occurring or added during processing. In prepackaged food, sodium content
is typically indicated on the nutrition facts label, expressed in mg per serving or per 100
grams, to help consumers make informed dietary choices

(m)Sodium reduction refers to the process of lowering dietary sodium intake by
reformulating food products, modifying cating habits, and implementing regulatory
‘measures to align with public health recommendations;

(n) Sodium reformulation refers to the process of reducing the sodium content of
prepackaged food without compromising food safety, taste, and quality;

(0) Sodium reformulation targets refer to benchmarks for reducing sodium levels in
prepackaged food products, established based on findings from the Baseline Data for
Population Dietary Sodium Intake and the National Sodium Content Database. These
targets include the identification of high-impact food categories and setting of
maximum sodium limits. These targets shall be regularly reviewed and adjusted,
ensuring a phased and evidence-based approach to reformulation efforts; and

ARTICLE I
COVERAGE

SECTION 5. Scope and Application. — This Act shall apply to all food business
operators involved in the production, manufacture, import, distribution, supply, advertisement,
or marketing of prepackaged food within the territory of the Philippines.

SECTION 6. Exemptions for Therapeutic Food Products. — Prepackaged food products
for special therapeutic dietary use that are specifically formulated to address particular
physiological conditions or intended as partial replacements for meals shall be exempt from
the maximum sodium limits prescribed under this Act.

ARTICLE III. GENERAL FRAMEWORK ON SODIUM REFORMULATION

SECTION 7. Adoption of a Stepwise Approach in Reformulation. — The State shall adopt
a stepwise approach to sodium reformulation. The stepwise approach involves a gradual


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reduction of sodium in food products, implemented in phases, to allow consumers to adjust to
the taste changes and to give the food industry time to adapt through research and development.
The approach shall be designed to reduce overall population sodium intake while maintaining
product palatability and consumer acceptance.

SECTION 8. Baseline Data for Population Dietary Sodium Intake. — Within one (1) year
from the effectivity of this Act, the DOH, in collaboration with DOST-FNRI, shall establish
the Baseline Data for Population Dietary Sodium Intake, to assess sodium consumption
patterns among Filipinos. This may include age- and sex-disaggregated data on sodium
consumption patterns, key dietary sources of sodium, and regional variations in intake levels.

SECTION 9. Mandatory Sodium Reformulation of Prepackaged Foods and Grace Period
through a Stepwise Approach. —

(a) Within one (1) year from the effectivity of this Act, the DOH shall establish the Baseline
Data for Population Dietary Sodium Intake pursuant to Section 8 of this Act.

(b) After six (6) months from the completion of Baseline Data for Population Dietary
Sodium Intake, the DOH, through an appropriate issuance, identify high-impact food
categories and prescribe maximum sodium limits for each category in accordance with
Section 10 of this Act.

(©) A grace period for compliance shall be set by the DOH, which shall not exceed one (1)
year from the issuance of prescribed maximum sodium limits for each identified food
category.

(d) After the grace period for compliance set by DOH, no person or food business operator
shall manufacture, import, distribute, or sell any prepackaged food item within the
identified high-impact food categories if its final sodium content exceeds the prescribed
maximum sodium limits.

(e) Pursuant to Section 10 of this Act, the DOH may expand the mandatory reformulation
requirements to additional food categories, and shall progressively reduce maximum
sodium limits to achieve national sodium reduction goals.

SECTION 10. Sodium Reformulation Targets. —

(a) High-Impact Food Categories — The DOH, in coordination with FDA, DOST-F'NRI,
and other relevant stakeholders, shall identify high-impact food categories that
contribute significantly to sodium intake. Identification shall be based on:

1. Data recorded in the Baseline Data for Population Dietary Sodium Intake and
the National Sodium Content Database;

2. International best practices and guidelines from the World Health Organization
(WHO) and other public health bodies; and


3. Consumer dietary patterns, ensuring a smooth transition to low-sodium options
without compromising food safety and quality.

(b) Maximum Sodium Limits — Pursuant to Section 9 (a) of this Act, the DOH shall
establish maximum sodium limits for each identified food category, ensuring that these
limits align with national sodium reduction goals. The determination of these limits
shall be guided by national sodium reduction goals and data from the Baseline Data for
Population Dietary Sodium Intake and the National Sodium Content Database, ensuring
that policy decisions are supported by robust and up-to-date evidence. These limits shall
be progressively reduced over time, considering public health goals, feasibility,
industry adaptation capacity.

SECTION 11. Voluntary Sodium Reformulation and Industry Participation. —

(a) After the grace period set in Section 9 (c) of this Act, food business operators are
encouraged to voluntarily reduce the sodium content of their prepackaged food products
for food categories not yet covered by mandatory reformulation.

(b) The DOH and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) shall provide incentives to
support early voluntary compliance, which may include, but shall not limited to:
1. Inclusion of sodium limits in procurement criteria:
2. Certifications or awards recognizing industry compliance;
3. Priority product registration under the Food Safety Act; and/or
4. Capacity-building programs for sodium reformulation strategies.

ARTICLE IIL. IMPLEMENTATION

SECTION 12. Lead agency. - The DOH is tasked with ensuring the implementation of the
provisions of this Act, and shall have the power to issue other policies, rules, regulations, and
standards for the implementation of this Act. In line with this, the DOH shall review, expand
the coverage of food categories, and progressively tighten sodium limits every three (3) years,
based on updated data from Sodium Data System.

SECTION 13. National Sodium Reduction Plan. ~ The DOH shall establish and annually
release a National Sodium Reduction Plan, which shall set national sodium reduction targets
and the timeline and strategies to be implemented to ensure measurable progress toward
achieving such targets.

SECTION 14. Sodium Data System - The DOH shall integrate the Baseline Data for
Population Dietary Sodium Intake into a comprehensive data system to inform reformulation
targets and monitor progress in sodium reduction efforts, comprised of:


(a) Data for Population Dietary Sodium Intake — The DOH, in collaboration with the
DOST-FNRI, shall collect and maintain data on population dietary sodium intake to
evaluate sodium consumption trends. Data may be sourced from:

1. The National Nutrition Survey, conducted by the DOST-FNRI:

2. 24-hour urinary sodium excretion studies, every five (5) years;

3. Household food expenditure and procurement data;

4, Industry and market surveys tracking sodium levels in commonly consumed
high-impact food products; and/or

5. Any other method necessary to ensure comprehensive sodium intake
assessment.

(b) National Sodium Content Database — The DOH, in collaboration with the FDA and
the DOST-FNRI, shall develop and maintain a National Sodium Content Database to
systematically track and monitor the sodium content of prepackaged food available in
the Philippine market. The database shall:

1. Compile and regularly update sodium content information for all commercially
available prepackaged food, including sodium content data from nutrition labels
submitted by food business operators to the FDA as part of product registration,
as well as other existing data from relevant national agencies;

2. Support regulatory enforcement by identifying non-compliant products and
monitoring adherence to sodium reformulation targets; and

a. Serve as a resource for public health initiatives, research, and consumer
awareness campaigns to promote informed food choices.

‘The DOH shall update the Data for Population Dietary Sodium Intake every three (3) years and
the National Sodium Content Database annually to ensure ongoing policy effectiveness and
accurate monitoring of both dietary sodium intake among Filipinos and sodium content in
prepackaged food.

The DOH shall ensure accessibility of sodium content data to stakeholders, including
policymakers, health professionals, researchers, and consumers, while maintaining data
protection standards in accordance with Republic Act No. 10173 or the Data Privacy Act of
2012 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations.

SECTION 15. Incentives for Low-Sodium Alternatives. — To support industry innovation
and increase the availability of low-sodium alternatives in the Philippine market, the DTI, in
coordination with relevant government agencies and stakeholders, shall develop and
implement an incentive program that will encourage the development, production, and
promotion of low-sodium food products and alternatives, such as lower-sodium salt substitutes.
Incentives may include financial grants, non-financial incentives such as certifications and
awards, capacity-building programs through the DTI’s Food Processing Division and Food
Innovation Hub, and consumer education campaigns conducted in partnership with the DOH,
among others.



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SECTION 16. MSME Support and Compliance. — The DTI, in coordination with the DOH,
FDA, local government units (LGUs), and other relevant government agencies and
stakeholders, shall develop and implement programs to assist micro, small, and medium-sized
(MSMES) food business operators of prepackaged food in complying with the provisions of
this Act. This may include, but is not limited to, extended grace periods, capacity-building
programs, incentives for voluntary compliance, development of resource materials, and any
other necessary support to help MSMEs meet sodium reformulation requirements,

SECTION 17. Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC). -- The DOH, in
collaboration with relevant government agencies, local government units (LGU). and
stakeholders, shall develop and implement SBC strategies to promote healthier dietary habits,
address cultural preferences for high-sodium foods, and reduce health risks associated with
excessive sodium intake.

The DOH, in coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd) and other relevant
government agencies, shall incorporate sodium reduction education into school curricula and
existing health and nutrition programs, including Dietary Supplementation Program (DSP) and
School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP), and prenatal health screenings.

Using baseline survey data and the National Sodium Content Database, the DOH shall tailor
SBCC strategies to specific dietary patterns and sodium consumption levels. Public awareness
initiatives may also highlight successful reformulation efforts and sodium intake reductions to
encourage continued support.

ARTICLE III. ENFORCEMENT AND MONITORING

SECTION 18. Certificate of Product Registration. — The FDA shall not issue a Certificate
of Product Registration (CPR) or renew an existing CPR to any food manufacturer, distributor,
and importer whose prepacked food product does not comply with Sections 8 of this Act.

SECTION 19. Inspection Powers and Record-Keeping. — The FDA, through its authorized
agents, shall have the power to inspect the premises and records of food manufacturers to
determine compliance with this Act. The FDA shall issue inspection procedures and guidelines
on record-keeping.

SECTION 20. Enforcement for Traditional Markets and Food Service Establishments.
— Local government units (LGUs), through an appropriate issuance and in coordination with
the FDA and DTI, shall establish a mechanism to enforce the provisions of this Act on
prepackaged food produced and marketed in traditional markets and food service
establishments within their respective jurisdictions and shall impose penalties for violations
thereof.

SECTION 21. Consumer Complaints. — The FDA may commence an investigation motu
proprio, upon petition, or upon letter-complaint from any consumer for violations of this Act.


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Upon finding by the FDA of prima facie violation of any provisions of this Act, it may motu
proprio or upon a verified complaint, commence formal administrative action against the food
business operator or any person who appears responsible.

The procedure in the commencement and processing of consumer complaints mentioned herein
shall follow the existing rules and regulations of the FDA.

SECTION 22. Multi-Sectoral Collaboration and Civil Society Participation for
Enforcement, Monitoring, and Surveillance. —

(a) The State recognizes the critical role of civil society organizations, academic
institutions, and the private sector in promoting public health and supporting the
objectives of this Act. The DOH, FDA, and DOST-FNRI may engage civil society
organizations, academia, and other stakeholders to provide technical assistance in the
implementation and monitoring of the provisions of this Act, provided that such
organizations are not affiliated with or related to the food and beverage industry. The
DOH shall ensure that all stakeholder engagements are conducted transparently and
limited to regulatory purposes. In addition, all multi-sectoral engagements, including
those involving civil society, the private sector, and academic institutions, shall adhere
to the conflict of interest guidelines set forth in Section 23 of this Act.

‘The DOH shall develop and implement programs to encourage the participation of civil
society and grassroots organizations in the monitoring and enforcement of this Act.
‘These programs shall ensure balanced representation and safeguard public health
interests by prioritizing transparency and accountability in policy implementation.

(b) Any citizen, civil society organization, non-governmental organization, or grassroots
organization is hereby authorized to file an appropriate civil, criminal, or administrative
action before the proper courts or administrative body against any public officer or
entity who willfully or grossly neglects the performance of a responsibility specifically
enjoined by this Act and its implementing rules and regulations. The same authorization
applies to violations of this Act by any member of the food and beverage industry,
including their representatives or employees.

‘The court shall exempt such actions from the payment of filing fees and shall exempt
the plaintiff from the filing of a bond for the issuance of preliminary injunctions. Should
the plaintiff prevail, the court shall award reasonable attomey’s fees, moral damages,
and litigation costs as appropriate.

‘The remedies provided under this Section shall be cumulative and shall not preclude
any other person from filing a similar action under applicable laws.

SECTION 23. Conflict of Interest. — To uphold the fundamental objective of this Act in
advancing public health, the development of related policies and the enforcement and


monitoring of this Act shall promote multi-sectoral coordination. while ensuring the integrity
and independence of regulatory processes against potential conflicts of interest.

To this end, the DOH and FDA shall establish and enforce clear guidelines for managing
conflicts of interest in all stakeholder engagements. Donations, sponsorships, or financial
contributions from the food and beverage industry to any regulatory agency, public health
program, or initiative implemented under this Act shall be strictly prohibited.

ARTICLE IV. PROHIBITED ACTS AND PENALTIES

SECTION 24. Prohibited Acts. — It shall be unlawful for any person to:
(a) Produce, manufacture, import to the Philippines, distribute, supply, advertise or market
any prepackaged food exceeding the maximum sodium limits in accordance with
Section 9 of this Act;
(b) Refuse access to pertinent records or entry of inspection officers of the FDA and LGUs
pursuant to Sections 19 and 20 of this Act; and
(©) Violate the implementing rules and regulations of this Act.

SECTION 24. Penalties. - The following penalties shall be imposed for each violation of the
prohibitions in this Act:

Offender First (1st) Offense Second (2nd) Third (3rd) Offense
Offense
Large enterprise Fine of not less than Fine of not less than Fine of not less than

five hundred thousand one million pesos five million pesos
pesos (Php 500,000) (Php 1,000,000) but (Php5,000,000) but
but not more than one not more than five not more than ten
million pesos (Php million pesos (Php million pesos (Php
1,000,000) 5,000,000) 10,000,000)

MSMEs Fine of not less than Fine of not less than Fine of not less than
five thousand pesos ten thousand pesos twenty thousand
(Php 5,000) but not (Php 10,000) but not pesos (Php 20,000)
more than ten more than twenty but not more than fifty
thousand pesos (Php thousand pesos (Php thousand pesos (Php
10,000) 20,000) 50,000)

Natural person Fine of not more than Fine of not less than Fine of not less than
five thousand pesos five thousand pesos ten thousand pesos

(Php 5,000) (Php 5,000) but not (Php 10,000) but not

more than ten more than twenty

thousand pesos (Php thousand pesos (Php

10,000) 20,000) or

imprisonment of not

more than one (1)

year, or both, at the

discretion of the court


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SECTION 25. Sale, Distribution or Transfer in Good Faith. - No person shall be
subject to the penalties under Section 24 of this Act for having sold, offered for sale, or
transferred prepackaged food that are not compliant with the provisions of Sections 9 of this
Act, if such sale, distribution or transfer, was made in good faith. A sale, distribution, or transfer
is presumed to be made in good faith if the seller or distributor has obtained, in writing, a
guaranty from the person or food business operator from whom the prepackaged food were
obtained, that said prepackaged food are not covered by the requirements under Sections 9 of
this Act.

SECTION 26. Other Corrective Actions. — In addition to the fines and penalties in
Section 24, the following corrective actions shall be imposed by the appropriate authorities to
the offenders;

(a) The disapproval of an application, suspension, revocation or cancellation of an existing

CPR or any authorization; and/or

(b) Seizure and condemnation, destruction, recall, and/or appropriate disposition of non-

compliant food products by the FDA as provided under their mandate.

SECTION 27. Liability of Juridical and Other Persons. -

(a) Should a violation of this Act be committed by a juridical person, the Chair of the
Board, the President, the General Manager, or the partners and/or the persons directly
responsible therefore shall be penalized

(b) If the offender is an alien, they shall be deported after service of sentence and/or
payment of fine without further deportation proceedings and shall be permanently
barred from re-entering the Philippines.

(©) In case a violation is committed by, or in the interest of, a foreign juridical person duly
licensed to engage in business in the Philippines, such license to engage in business in
the Philippines shall be immediately revoked.

ARTICLE V. FINAL PROVISIONS

SECTION 28. Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). — Within sixty (60)
days from the effectivity of this Act, the DOH, through the Health Promotion Bureau (HPB),
together with other relevant government agencies and stakeholders shall develop the IRR for
this Act. Non-issuance of the IRR shall not prevent the implementation of this Act upon its
effectivity.

SECTION 29. Monitoring and Evaluation. — The DOH shall report annually, or
more frequently as necessary, to the President and the Congressional Committees on Health,
Agriculture and Food, and Trade and Industry on the population dietary sodium intake, the
sodium content of prepackaged food products, and progress in meeting national sodium
reduction targets. The FDA shall likewise report annually, or more frequently as needed, to the
same bodies on industry compliance. These reports shall include recommendations for policy

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adjustments, regulatory enhancements, and program improvements to strengthen sodium
reduction efforts and protect public health nationwide.

SECTION 30. Appropriations. — The initial amount necessary for the
implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current appropriation of all concerned
agencies. Thereafter, concemed agencies shall allocate such funds that may be necessary for
the continuous implementation of this Act and shall include such sums in the Annual General
Appropriations Act (GAA) under the respective budgets of all concerned agencies.

SECTION 31. Separability Clause. — If any part of provision of this Act is held
invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected thereby shall remain
in full force and effect.

SECTION 32. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, executive orders, and rules and
regulations contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or

amended accordingly.

SECTION 33. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in any newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,

ll