Guidelines on Nutrition and Health Claims

Pursuant to the Administrative Code of 1987, BFAD acts as the policy formulation and monitoring agency for food, drugs, traditional medicines, cosmetics, and hazardous household products.
BFAD is empowered to formulate rules, regulations, and standards consistent with RA No. 3720 as amended and other relevant laws.
It has regulatory authority over the truthfulness of nutritional and medicinal health claims in advertising any FDA-regulated product.
BFAD monitors advertisements across all media to enforce compliance.

The law recognizes the importance of aligning Philippine food standards with international trade obligations stemming from GATT-WTO and various trade agreements.
Harmonization efforts include compliance with Codex Alimentarius Commission standards to promote consumer health protection.
There is an explicit directive for adherence to international food standard-setting bodies to facilitate trade and uphold national health priorities.

BFAD adopts the Codex Alimentarius Commission Guidelines for Use of Nutrition and Health Claims (CAC/GL 23-1997, Rev. 1-2004) as the basis for evaluating nutrition and health claims on food labels and advertisements.
These guidelines supplement and must be consistent with existing Philippine national laws and implementing regulations concerning consumer product labeling and advertisements.

The circular was signed and adopted by Prof. Leticia-Barbara B. Gutierrez, M.S., Director IV, Bureau of Food and Drugs, on January 23, 2007.