Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 11052)
The short title is the Philippine Food Technology Act.
The State recognizes the importance of professional food technologists in nation-building and development and aims to develop competent and globally competitive food technologists through licensure examinations and regulatory programs.
Food refers to any substance or product, whether processed, partially processed, or unprocessed, intended for human consumption, including drinks, chewing gum, water, and other substances incorporated during manufacturing or preparation.
Food technology refers to the application of physical, biological, and behavioral sciences to convert raw materials into safe, stable, palatable, and nutritious foods, including handling, storage, processing, packaging, distribution, and utilization of food.
A food technologist is a person qualified to practice food technology who holds a valid certificate of registration and a valid professional license issued by the Professional Regulatory Board of Food Technology and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).
Functions include supervision of raw materials and processing operations, evaluation and certification of food properties, technical transactions related to food, research, teaching food technology subjects, compliance with food laws, implementation of quality management systems, waste management assistance, and consultation work related to food technology.
The Board consists of a Chairperson and two members appointed by the President from lists prepared by the PRC and the integrated and accredited professional organization of food technologists.
Members must be Filipino citizens and residents for at least five years, holders of a BS Food Technology or recognized equivalent, duly registered food technologists with at least five years active practice, members in good standing of the integrated APO, without conflict of interest with educational institutions, and without convictions involving moral turpitude.
The licensure exam covers Physical, Chemical, Biological, and Microbiological Principles; Food Processing, Preservation, and Food Engineering; Quality Sensory Evaluation of Food; and Food Laws and Regulations.
Violators may face a fine of not less than ₱40,000 but not more than ₱150,000, or imprisonment from six months to four years, or both, at the court's discretion.
Foreign food technologists may be issued temporary or special permits for specific work under certain conditions, such as consultancy, teaching, or international agency assignments, subject to reciprocity agreements and annual renewal of permits.
It is unlawful to practice food technology without a valid certificate and license, represent oneself as a food technologist without a valid license, allow another person to use one's certificate or license, or use someone else's certificate or license.
The Act takes effect fifteen days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.