Processed food should be labeled - DOH
By Rose Palacio
Davao City (15 June) -- Fair packaging and labeling of processes food is a compulsory requirement imposed by the Department of Health (DOH), the agency which is mandated to establish standards and quality measures for food an likewise conduct regular inspections on the labeling and quality of food products.
"Adulterated food is strictly prohibited and penalized under the law", said Pet Labadia, regional nutritionist of the DOH regional office who was the guest during the weekly radio forum dubbed as Takna sa Kahimsug aired live over DXRP Radyo ng Bayan anchored by Nitz Escarpe and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).
The minimum requirement for labeling to be indicated in the packaging are the correct and registered trade name or brand name; its duly registered trade mark; address of the manufacturer, importer, repacker of the product in the Philippines; general make or active ingredients that should be strictly indicated in the label.
"Net quantity of contents of manufacture, if imported; date mark and expiry date; and nutritional information should also be included in the labeling," Labadia said.
Regular inspections, she said are being undertaken by DOH team to protect consumers of expired products.
Labadia pointed out that under the Consumer Act of the Philippines, the DOH is authorized to issue the needed rules and regulations amount of investment in the region. (PIA XI) [top]