Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 10611)
Republic Act No. 10611 is known as the Food Safety Act of 2013.
The State shall maintain a farm-to-fork food safety regulatory system that ensures a high level of food safety, promotes fair trade, and advances the global competitiveness of Philippine foods and food products.
The objectives include protecting the public from food-borne illnesses and unsanitary or adulterated foods, enhancing industry and consumer confidence in the food regulatory system, and achieving economic growth by promoting fair trade and sound regulatory foundations.
Adulteration refers to acts that lead to production of food containing poisonous substances, filthy or decomposed matter, unsanitary preparation, or the use of expired ingredients, making the food injurious to health or unfit for human consumption.
Food business operators include any person engaged in the food business, including agents, responsible for ensuring compliance with food safety requirements in the food supply chain.
FSRAs include agencies under the Department of Agriculture such as the Bureau of Animal Industry, National Meat Inspection Service, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and agencies under the Department of Health such as the Food and Drug Administration and the Bureau of Quarantine.
Penalties range from fines of P50,000 to P500,000 and suspension or revocation of authorization to operate a food business, with imprisonment for violations resulting in death, and additional penalties for government personnel, naturalized citizens, and aliens.
The FSRCB coordinates and monitors the implementation of food safety mandates among DA, DOH, DILG and LGUs, manages crisis situations, establishes coordination policies, and submits reports to Congress.
Food business operators must be able to identify their suppliers and customers, establish systems to make such information available to regulatory authorities upon demand, and maintain traceability of production inputs and food products.
When scientific information is insufficient to confirm safety, precautionary measures may be adopted, which should be no more trade-restrictive than necessary and remain until additional scientific information clarifies the risk.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) is responsible for food safety in the primary production and post harvest stages of the food supply chain.
LGUs enforce food safety and sanitation codes within their jurisdiction, including public markets, slaughterhouses, food vending areas, and participate in training and monitoring activities as coordinated with DA and DOH.
Food testing laboratories must be accredited according to international standards, conduct testing using validated procedures, prevent conflict of interest, and be staffed by qualified analysts. Private accredited labs may be recognized by FSRAs.
Food law should aim for a high level of food safety, protection of human life and health in food production and consumption, and protection of consumer interests through fair practices in the food trade.
Refusal to allow access to records or inspection by FSRA officers is prohibited and subject to penalties including fines and suspension or revocation of business authorization as provided by the Act.