QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 8976)
RA 8976 is titled the “Philippine Food Fortification Act of 2000.” It covers all imported or locally processed foods or food products for sale or distribution in the Philippines.
It recognizes deficiencies in energy, iron, vitamin A, iodine, thiamin, and riboflavin, and to a minor extent deficiencies in ascorbic acid, calcium, and folate.
Fortification is the addition of nutrients to processed foods or food products at levels above the natural state—specifically adding a micronutrient that is deficient in the diet to a widely consumed food by at-risk groups.
SPSP is a strategy to encourage food manufacturers to fortify processed foods with DOH-approved essential nutrients. Manufacturers may use the DOH seal of acceptance after meeting defined criteria.
The Program consists of (1) Voluntary Food Fortification and (2) Mandatory Food Fortification.
It is voluntary under SPSP. If a manufacturer opts to fortify but does not apply for the Sangkap Pinoy Seal, it must fortify according to acceptable standards on food fortification set by DOH through the BFAD.
Rice—iron; wheat flour—vitamin A and iron; refined sugar—vitamin A; cooking oil—vitamin A.
Its implementation commences after four (4) years from the effectivity of the Act.
No. Dietary supplements for which established standards are already prescribed by DOH through BFAD and whose standards include specifications for nutrient composition or levels of fortification are expressly not covered.
DOH through BFAD is the lead agency for implementation and monitoring. The NNC serves as the advisory board on food fortification and conducts periodic review of micronutrients added to food.
Manufacturers must include on the label a statement of “nutrition facts” indicating the nutrient(s) and the quantities added. Local government units also assist in checking that mandated foods are labeled with nutrition facts.
For imported processed foods or products, the required fortification should be done by the producers/manufacturers. Otherwise, the importer is responsible for fortifying the products before they are allowed to be distributed or sold.
Noncompliance includes: (1) fortification levels not complying with DOH requirements unless deviation is justified and properly declared in labeling; (2) using a fortificant different from the DOH-approved one; and (3) a fortification process that does not conform to DOH standards.
After notice and hearing, BFAD may deny registration (preventing market entry), order recall of products, and impose fines with increasing severity plus suspension/cancellation of registration: first violation—fine not less than ₱300,000 and suspension; second—up to ₱600,000 and suspension; third—up to ₱1,000,000 and cancellation of product registration.
The IRR must be formulated within ninety (90) days from approval. It takes effect thirty (30) days after publication in a national newspaper of general application.