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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. “" 2903

Introduced by Rep. Precious Hipolito Castelo

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Gluten is a type of protein found in grains including wheat, barley, spelt, and rye.' It is an
ingredient of the most common foods and condiments such as French fries, processed cheese,
pasta, bread, hotdogs, cereals, ice cream, ketchup, mayonnaise, and soy sauce, among others.

For most people, gluten poses no risk. Thus, they can enjoy a hearty breakfast of their favorite
cereals and bread with no problems. However, for people diagnosed with Celiac Disease, eating
these glutenous food products is a health risk.

Celiac Disease is a serious autoimmune disease that occurs in genetically predisposed people
where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestines.” While it seems to be
unheard of in the Philippines, it is estimated to affect 1 in 100 people worldwide.” For those who
are affected with it, consumption of gluten can lead to malnourishment, as well as loss of bone
density, miscarriages, infertility, and even cancer.*

Currently, there are no drugs that treat Celiac Disease.’ The only way for those diagnosed with
it to go on with their lives is a lifetime adherence to a strict gluten-free diet. However, it is not an
easy task to determine the component ingredients of every single food product.

As such, this bill seeks to mandate the manufacturers of food products to indicate conspicuously
in the nutritional labels of their goods whether their products have gluten or not. Further, owners
of restaurants and food establishments shall also extend their assistance and accommodate
those diagnosed with Celiac Disease when they inquire what food products they can consume
off their menus.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is ips

* https:/www. healthline.com/nutrition/celiac-disease-symptom>
? https://celiac. org/about-celiac-disease/what-is-celiac-disease/
* Ibid.
4 Ibid,
* https:/www.webmd,com/digestive-disorders/celiac-disease/celiac-disease#2


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
‘Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Sessiqn, 4

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Rep. Precious Hipolito Castelo

AN ACT
REQUIRING THE DISCLOSURE OF THE PRESENCE OR ABSENCE OF GLUTEN IN FOOD
PRODUCTS FOR THE PROTECTION OF THOSE DIAGNOSED WITH CELIAC DISEASE

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Gluten Disclosure in Food
Products Act.”

SEC. 2. Objective. — This Act aims to protect those diagnosed with Celiac Disease who
are at risk of having a serious allergic reaction to gluten consumption.

SEC. 3. Disclosure of Gluten Component in all Food Products. — All manufacturers of
food products are mandated to specifically declare the presence of gluten in their products by
listing therein the word “gluten” in their nutritional labels. In case a food product is gluten-free,
the manufacturer should conspicuously label that such product is gluten-free.

SEC. 4. Assistance to those Diagnosed with Celiac Disease by Owners of Restaurants
and Food Establishments. — Owners of restaurants and food establishments, as well as their
‘employees, shall endeavor to assist and accommodate all those who are diagnosed with Celiac
Disease, when they inquire what products in their menus are gluten-free.

SEC. 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days from the approval
of this Act, the relevant government agencies shall formulate and promulgate the necessary
rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 6. Separability Clause. — If any provision or section of this Act is held invalid or
unconstitutional, the other provisions and sections not affected thereby shall remain in full force
and effect.

SEC. 7. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, or
issuances, or any part thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby
repealed, amended, or modified accordingly

SEC. 8. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
Official Gazette or two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,