Question & AnswerQ&A (BFAD BUREAU CIRCULAR NO. 2006-016)
The constitutional basis includes Article II, Section 15 which mandates the protection and promotion of the right to health, and Article XIII, Section 12 which requires establishing and maintaining an effective food and drug regulatory system.
Republic Act No. 3720 (as amended), Executive Order No. 175, and Republic Act No. 7394.
To update and establish guidelines on the use and application of permitted food additives in foods distributed in the Philippines, ensuring food safety and harmonizing local food regulation with international standards.
Any substance which results or may reasonably be expected to result in becoming a component or affecting the characteristics of any food, intended for use in producing, manufacturing, packing, processing, preparing, treating, packaging, transporting, or holding food, and recognized as safe under conditions of intended use.
An estimate by the JECFA of the amount of a food additive, expressed on a body weight basis (reference man 60kg), that can be ingested daily over a lifetime without appreciable health risk.
Food additives must present no appreciable health risk, must provide technological benefits like shelf-life extension or nutritional enhancement, must not mislead consumers, and must be used only when other practicable means are inadequate.
The use of the lowest possible level of additive necessary to achieve the desired effect, minimizing additive carry-over, and using food-grade quality additives handled as food ingredients.
The food is deemed misbranded or adulterated, subjecting the responsible parties to sanctions under Republic Act No. 3720, Republic Act No. 7394, and other allied laws, after due notice and hearing.
An additive can be present in a food due to carry-over from an ingredient, provided the additive is permitted in the ingredient, does not exceed maximum levels, and does not surpass permitted levels in the final food product under proper manufacturing practices.
The system is hierarchical, allowing additive use in general categories and their subcategories, based on marketed product descriptors, incorporating carry-over principles, and simplifying reporting and regulation of food additive uses.