Question & AnswerQ&A (DOH ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 152, S. 2004)
The legal basis is Republic Act 3720, Section 26(a), known as the Food, Drugs and Devices and Cosmetics Act, as amended.
To ensure a safe supply of irradiated food and prevent undue risk to safety and public health in the application of ionizing radiation to foods.
All irradiated foods whether produced for domestic consumption, imported, or exported, and all food irradiation facilities.
Any food product subjected to treatment by ionizing radiation with an appropriate absorbed dose, excluding foods exposed to radiation from measuring instruments for inspection purposes.
The Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) licenses and controls food establishments with irradiation facilities.
They must comply with the Codex General Standard for Irradiated Foods, Codex Code of Practice for irradiation facilities, Good Manufacturing Practice, and hold a Radioactive Material License from PNRI or BHDT depending on the radiation source.
Gamma rays from radionuclides (60Co or 137Cs), X-rays generated at or below 5 MeV, and electrons generated at or below 10 MeV.
It must have the international irradiated food logo and the statement 'treated by irradiation' or its equivalent, aside from the mandatory BFAD labeling information.
They may be deemed adulterated or misbranded, not allowed into commerce, ordered withdrawn from the market, and penalties such as fines, suspension, or revocation of licenses may be imposed.
The Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) for fresh fruits and vegetables, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) for fish and fishery products, National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) for meat and poultry, and BFAD for processed foods.