Regulatory Authority of the Food and Drug Administration (Bureau of Food & Drugs)
- Republic Act No. 3720, known as the "Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act," grants the Food and Drug Administration (now the Bureau of Food & Drugs) the authority to promulgate regulations on food standards.
- These regulations must fix and establish reasonable definitions and standards of identity and quality for food products under their common or usual names as far as practicable.
Prohibitions on Adulterated and Misbranded Food
- R.A. 3720 prohibits the manufacture and sale of adulterated and misbranded food and food products.
- Violators of these provisions are subject to corresponding penalties under the law.
Standards of Identity for Vinegar
- Pursuant to R.A. 3720, Administrative Order No. 134 s. 1970 was enacted by the Ministry of Health to prescribe the standard of identity for vinegar.
- Vinegar is defined as the liquid produced by alcoholic and/or acetous fermentation of malt, spirit, wine, cider, alcoholic liquors, fruits, grain, vegetables, honey, glucose, sugar (including unrefined crystal sugar and refinery syrup), or molasses.
Prohibition on Sale and Distribution of Glacial Acetic Acid as Vinegar
- Glacial acetic acid must not be offered for sale, sold, or distributed as vinegar or used for vinegar manufacture by importers, distributors, sellers, purchasers, or other concerned parties.
- This is to prevent misrepresentation and ensure consumer safety.
Enforcement and Penalties
- The Bureau of Food & Drugs is empowered to impose regulatory sanctions on violators of this circular to protect consumer interests.
- All parties are hereby warned of these prohibitions and the consequences of non-compliance.
Administrative Adoption and Re-issuance
- The order was originally adopted on 27 September 1985 by Director Catalina C. Sanchez.
- It was re-issued on 7 October 1991 by Dr. Quintin L. Kintanar, Director and Assistant Secretary for Standards and Regulation.