Law Summary
Definition of Key Terms
- "Food": Any substance intended for human consumption including drinks and additives.
- "Food Technology": Application of sciences for converting raw materials into safe and nutritious foods including handling and distribution.
- "Food Technologist": A person qualified with a valid license and certificate from the Board and PRC.
- "Microbiological Certification": Certification of microbiological and other properties of food.
Scope of Practice of Food Technology
- Includes specification identification and procurement oversight.
- Supervises food processing and certifies food analyses.
- Engages in technical transactions involving food and related equipment.
- Conducts research, teaching, compliance, quality management, waste management assistance, and consultations related to food technology.
- Procures materials for food analysis and R&D.
Establishment and Composition of the Professional Regulatory Board of Food Technology
- Board composed of a Chairperson and two members appointed by the President from nominees ranked by the integrated and accredited professional organization (APO).
- Board to be organized within six months after the Act's effectivity.
Powers and Duties of the Board
- Promulgate and enforce rules and regulations.
- Supervise licensure, registration, and the practice of food technology.
- Issue and revoke certificates, licenses, and permits.
- Coordinate with CHED to ensure standards of education.
- Develop licensure examination syllabi and implement exam computerization.
- Prescribe CPD program guidelines.
- Adopt Codes of Ethics and Technical Standards.
- Investigate violations and conduct hearings with subpoena powers.
- Maintain a roster of practitioners.
- Administer oaths and adopt an official seal.
Qualifications and Tenure of Board Members
- Must be Filipino citizens and residents for five years, licensed food technologists with five years of active practice, and members in good standing in the APO.
- Prohibited from holding interest or faculty positions in educational institutions related to food technology licensing.
- Serve for a maximum of two consecutive three-year terms.
Compensation and Removal of Board Members
- Receive compensation and allowances comparable to other PRC regulatory boards.
- Can be suspended or removed by the President upon PRC recommendation for misconduct or incompetence following due process.
Administrative Supervision and Annual Reporting
- Board under administrative supervision of the PRC.
- PRC maintains all Board records and provides secretariat and support services.
- Board to submit yearly detailed reports recommending improvements to food technology practice.
Licensure Examination and Registration Requirements
- Licensure examination required for food technologist registration except as expressly allowed.
- Applicants must be Filipino citizens or from countries with reciprocity agreements, of good moral character, hold a recognized Food Technology degree, and free from criminal convictions involving moral turpitude.
- Exam covers Physical, Chemical, Biological, Microbiological principles, Food Processing, Preservation, Food Engineering, Sensory Evaluation, and Food Laws.
- Passing score is at least 75% per subject, with a single removal exam allowed if scores are between 60% and 74%.
Certification and Registration Procedures
- Certificate of registration and professional license issued upon passing exams and payment of fees.
- Licenses bear signatures and official seals and remain valid until revoked or suspended.
- Grounds for refusal include conviction of crimes involving moral turpitude or unethical conduct.
- Provision for registration without examination for certain qualified practitioners within two years of the Act's effectivity.
Disciplinary Actions
- Board may revoke, suspend certificates or cancel special permits for violations of laws, ethical codes, or technical standards after due notice and hearing.
- Reinstatement possible after two years upon satisfactory application.
Roster and Permits
- Board must maintain a public roster of all registered food technologists.
- Foreigners may be granted temporary or special permits limited to specific work and renewed annually.
Oath of Profession
- All licensed or registered food technologists must take an official oath prior to practice.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and Professional Integration
- CPD programs prescribed by the PRC in consultation with the Board and stakeholders.
- Establishment of a CPD Council including Board member, APO representative, and academia.
- Integration of all practitioners into one national organization (integrated and APO) recognized by the Board and PRC.
Foreign Reciprocity and Practice Restrictions
- Foreign practitioners admitted only if their countries grant similar rights to Filipino food technologists.
- Indication of license and tax receipt numbers required on documents signed or issued in practice.
- Prohibits practice or representation as a food technologist without valid license or permit, or use of another's credentials.
Penal Provisions
- Violations punishable by fines from ₱40,000 to ₱150,000 and/or imprisonment from six months to four years.
Funding, Rules, and Implementation
- Implementation included in PRC's annual budget.
- Board to issue implementing rules and ethics codes within 30 days of Act effectivity.
Miscellaneous Provisions
- Separability clause ensures the Act's other provisions remain effective if any provision is invalidated.
- Repeals inconsistent laws or issuances.
- Effectivity is 15 days after publication in official gazette or newspaper of general circulation.