SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
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JUL 22 P5 :14 
SENAT5 
___________________ 
S_.N_o_. __ l ___ 
3_5 ___________ 
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Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Constitution, Article 13, Section 12, provides: 
The State shall establish and maintain an effective food and drug 
regulatory system and undertake appropriate health manpower development and 
research, responsive to the country's health needs and problems. 
This bill requires that food products treated with an additive, colorant, or any other 
method to enhance its appearance or flavor include a clear, conspicuous, and easily readable 
label on the packaging or menu stating so, and advising the consumer to check the ingredients to 
determine its possible detrimental effect. Additives such as sodium nitrate, monosodium 
glutamate, and colorants are sometimes used so that the food served will last longer and taste 
better. Although the ingredients are necessary for consumer items sold in groceries, the practice 
of including ingredients in the menu or packaging served in food establishments is not observed.' 
~'- 4f~---)~ 
MIRIAM DEF NSOR SANTLfJ6 
fJIJi' 
, 
This bill was originally filed during the Fourteenth Congress. First Regular Session. 
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SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
SENATp 
S.No. 
1035 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
1 
AN ACT 
'13 
JUL 22 P5 :14 
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REQUIRING FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS TO DISCLOSE 
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THE INGREDIENTS OR ADDITIVES THAT THEY USE IN THEIR PRODUCTS 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
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SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be referred to as the "Food Establishment 
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Ingredient Disclosure Act." 
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SECTION 2. Definitions. - As used in this Act, the following terms shall mean: 
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a. "Food establishment" - refers to any place where meals are served to customers. It shall 
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include but is not limited to restaurants, fast food chains, cafeterias, and other similar 
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establishments. 
lOb. "Ingredient" - Anything that is a component of a mixture in cooking. 
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SECTION 3. Disclosure Requirement. - Food served in any food establishment shall 
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include a clear, conspicuous, and easily readable label on the packaging or menu stating the 
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ingredients, additives, and everything else that may have come in contact with the food through 
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its preparation, such as nuts, animal fat, or other similar substances. 
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SECTION 4. Penalty for Non-Observance. -
The business license of the food 
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establishment shaH be revoked for failure to comply with the immediately preceding section. 
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SECTION 5. Separability Clause. - If any part or provision of this Act is held invalid or 
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unconstitutional, the other pruis or provisions thereof shall remain valid and effective. 
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SECTION 6. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, proclamations, rules and 
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regulations, or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, 
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amended, or modified accordingly. 
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SECTION 7. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days from its 
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publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
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