DA, DOH SET OUT TO IMPLEMENT FOOD SAFETY ACT

DA, DOH SET OUT TO 

IMPLEMENT FOOD SAFETY ACT

Filipino consumers will begin to reap the benefits of the law which aims to strengthen the food safety regulatory system in the country now that the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Food Safety Act (RA 10618) was finally approved.

Department of Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala and Department of Health Secretary Janette Garin approved the IRR in February 2015.  A ceremonial signing took place last February 20, 2015 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

Authored by AAMBIS-Owa Representative Sharon Garin, RA 10618 is passed by the 16th Congress and signed into law by President Benigno Simeon Aquino III on August 23, 2013.

“Filipinos will now enjoy the full-protection of the government from all foods which emanated from post-harvest facilities, slaughterhouses, dressing plants, fish ports, wet markets, school canteens, restaurants, catering establishments, water refilling stations, fast-food chains, and even street food carts,” Rep. Sharon Garin said.

The IRR ascribes specific responsibilities to food business operators of Philippines including the designation of a full-time food safety compliance officer knowledgeable in food safety standards required by law in every public or private company engaged in the food business.

Violators of the law who caused serious injury to a person shall pay a fine of not less than 200,000 pesos and suspension of authorization for one year. The offender shall also pay for the hospitalization and rehabilitation cost of the victim. If the offender does not have authorization, the imposable fine shall be doubled. 

The IRR also provides clear delineation of regulatory functions between the DA and the DOH. DA will be responsible for regulating primary postharvest foods while the DOH will be responsible for regulating processed foods.

The DA and the DOH will also assist local government units in the enforcement of national safety standards and regulations for foods produced and marketed within their territorial jurisdictions.

Regulation of foods produced but marketed outside the territorial jurisdiction of the LGUs shall be the responsibility of the DA and the DOH. 

With full implementation of the law, the government shall establish a Food Safety Regulation Coordinating Board to be co-chaired by DOH and DA Secretaries. The members will be from the Department of Science and Technology, Department of Trade and Industry, Leagues of Municipalities, Cities, and Provinces.

The Coordinating Board shall review the programs on training, research, monitoring, and surveillance, and crisis planning management.

National Meat Inspection Services Chief Minda Manatan says the public can expect regular inspection of food businesses and the inspectors shall have defined skills on risk-based inspection and shall be evaluated to verify their continuing competence. 

“Food testing carried out by laboratories accredited in accordance with international standards shall be in placed too,” Manantan who was part of the team who drafted the IRR also said. /MP