HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Republic of the Philippines RECEIVED
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Constitution Hills, Quezon City

19

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS.

First Regular Session Bess nol cor

BILLS AND INDEX sP2\

HOUSE BILL NO. 1500

Introduced by Representative Harlin Neil J. Abayon III

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The labeling of “fresh milk” on the packaging of milk product is causing a stir in the
country as consumers of milk expressed concern over the safety and quality of milk being sold in
the market

The Constitution, Article 11, Section 15 provides that “State shall protect and promote
the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them.” In the Philippines,
milk cartons bear labels of “fresh milk”, leading consumers to believe that the contents of the
milk they acquire is fresh milk. It is misleading however, because milk being sold in groceries,
which is mostly imported, has been pasteurized. Milk being sold in the market underwent ultra-
high temperature treatment (UHT), which is of the highest quality, which allows it to last for
several days. UHT milk is not the same as fresh milk, therefore labeling milk that went through
said process as fresh milk is misleading and inappropriate.

In accordance with this Constitution mandate, the bill seeks to prohibit the labeling of
“fresh milk” in packages that contain pasteurized milk. With the proper labeling of milk
products, the bill seeks to protect not only consumers of milk but also the local producers of
fresh milk. ahd

This measure was previously filed by Senator Pangilinan in the 15" Congress. Passage of
this bill is earnestly sought now in the 17" Congress.

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HARL IL J. ABAYON Ill
Representative
Party-List AANGAT TAYO


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Constitution Hills, Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House BILL No, 1500

Introduced by Representative Harlin Neil J. Abayon

AN ACT .
PROHIBITING THE USE OF LABEL “FRESH MILK” IN THE
PACKAGING AND SALE OF PASTEURIZED AND PROCESSED MILK
AND PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of the Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:
SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the “Milk Nutrition and Labeling Act.”

SEC 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

SEC 3. Penalties. — 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 (Php 10,000)
SECOND OFFENSE: A fine of fifty thousand pesos (Php 50,000)
THIRD OFFENSE: A fine of two-hundred thousand pesos (Php 200,000)

Sec 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.

Sec 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 of
this Act is hereby repealed, modified, or amended accordingly,

Sec 6. Effectivity Clause. ~ This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in at
least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,