Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH (18"™) CONGRESS:
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 463

Introduced by ELISA T. KHO, M.D., FPCCP

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to require the placing of the Food Guide Pyramid label in the
packaging of food commodities that are being sold and distributed in the market.

‘The Food Guide Pyramid is a simple visual guide to the types and proportions of
foods that we should eat every day for good health. It contains the five core food groups,
plus healthy fats, according to how much they contribute to a balanced diet based on
nutritional research. The food guide pyramid encourages us to enjoy a variety of foods
from every food groups, every day. By following the pyramid, we can enjoy better health
and reduce our chances of getting certain diseases.

It is alarming to note that Filipinos are just buying and eating foods that disregard
the recommended dietary guidelines of the Food Pyramid. A lot of indicators show that a
lot of Filipinos now suffer from high blood pressure, heart disease, certain cancers and
diabetes. This is primarily because Filipinos are not guided how to spot the necessary food
that they need. They eat too much of a certain food group and lack the rest.

By placing the Food Guide Pyramid in the labels of the food packages, this would
remind the Filipino consumer about his/her health and dietary needs.

In view of the importance of this matter, we urgently ask for the passage of this bill.

Kd

HON. ELISA T. KHO, M.D., FPCCP:
Representative
2m District, Masbate


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

EIGHTEENTH (18"™) CONGRESS:
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 463

Introduced by HON. ELISA T. KHO, M.D., FPCCP

AN ACT
‘TO PRESCRIBE THE FOOD GUIDE PYRAMID LABELLING FOR FOODS

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 Guide Labelling Act of
2018.”

SECTION 2. State Policy — It is hereby declared the policy of the State to promote
healthy eating by consuming variety of foods from every food group every day for every
Filipino.

SECTION 3. Definition of Terms — As used in this Act, the term:

a) “Label” means any written, printed or graphic matter affixed or attached to any
consumer commodity or affixed to or appearing upon a package containing any
consumer commodity.

b) “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.

) “Food” means any material, of plant or animal origin, containing or consisting of
essential body nutrients that must be taken in or assimilated by a person as
nourishment to life and growth.


SECTION 4. Requirements of Labelling — The commodity shall bear a label
containing the Food Guide Pyramid illustrating the researched-based food guidance
system .

No packaged consumer commodity shall be distributed or caused to be distributed
in commerce unless it conforms to the regulations set by this Act and established by the
Bureau of Food and Drugs.

SECTION 5. Punishable Acts —

a) It shall be unlawful for any person engaged in the packaging or labelling of any
consumer commodity for distribution in commerce of any such commodity, if such
commodity is contained in a package, or if there is affixed to that commodity a label
which does not conform to the provisions of this Act and of regulations
promulgated under the authority of this Act.

b) This prohibition shall not apply to persons engaged in the business as wholesale or
retail distributors of consumer commodities except to the extent that such persons
are engaged in the packaging or labelling of such commodities, or prescribe or
specify by any means the manner in which such commodities are packaged or
labelled.

SECTION 6. Consumer Education —

The Secretary of Health with the Bureau of Food and Drugs and the National
Nutrition Council shall carry out activities which would educate consumers about the
importance of a balanced and healthful diet.

SECTION 5. Repealing Clause. — All laws, executive orders, presidential decrees,
rules or regulations, and issuances contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this
Act shall be deemed repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 6. Effectivity. - This Act shall be effective fifteen (15] days following the
completion of its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation

Approved