Nutrition Transparency in Food Establishments Act

Senate Office of the Secretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 25 DEC 17 P2:05 First Regular Session RECEIVED BY: SENATE Senate Bill No. 1626 Introduced by Senator Erwin T. Tulfo AN ACT REQUIRING FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS TO PROVIDE NUTRITION AND CALORIE INFORMATION ON MENUS PROMOTING INFORMED FOOD CHOICES AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES EXPLANATORY NOTE

Section 16, Article Il of the 1987 Constitution provides that "the

State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them." The DOST-FNRI highlighted the urgency of promoting healthier diets, enhancing nutrition education, and implementing stronger food policies. Food manufacturers and canteens must ensure the nutritional quality of their products by reducing excess fat, sugar, salt, and harmful additives Stronger collaboration across sectors-including government, private companies, schools, health providers, and communities— is necessary to address these pressing health issues. It is said that evidence-based programs that promote dietary diversity, physical activity, and better food systems are essential for the country to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals!' ' https://www.dost.gov.ph/knowledge-resources/news/86-2025-news/4067-dost-fnri-unveils-2023-filipinos- state-of-health-and-nutrition.html, accessed last 16 December 2025.

With the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular illnesses, access to reliable nutrition information has become a vital public health measure. This bill seeks to promote and protect the right of the people to health by requiring covered food establishments to provide clear and accurate nutrition and calorie information on menus. The measure empowers consumers to make informed food choices, encourages healthier eating habits, and supports national efforts to prevent diet- related diseases. In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this measure is earnestly sought. ERWINIT. TULFO

Senate Office of the secretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) First Regular Session ) 25 DEC 17 P2:05 SENATE RECEIVED BY: Senate Bill No. 1626 Introduced by Senator Erwin T. Tulfo AN ACT REQUIRING FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS TO PROVIDE NUTRITION AND CALORIE INFORMATION ON MENUS PROMOTING INFORMED FOOD CHOICES AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. -This Act shall be known as the

"Nutrition Transparency in Food Establishments Act."

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to

5 protect and promote the right of the people to health by ensuring universal access to clear, accurate, and science-based information on the nutritional content of food offered to the public. The State affirms that informed food choices are a critical public 10 health measure in preventing non-communicable diseases, including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular illnesses, and in promoting lifelong health consciousness and disease prevention among the population.

SEC. 3. Coverage. - This Act shall apply to:

a. Restaurants, fast food chains, cafés, bakeries, and similar food establishments with two (2) or more branches nationwide; b. Food establishments operating inside malls, airports, schools, hospitals, and transportation terminals; and c. Online food platforms.

SEC. 4. Disclosure of Calorie and Nutritional Information. - All

covered food establishments under Section 3 of this Act shall display 12 the following information for each standard menu item: a. Calorie content per serving; b. Key nutritional information, including but not limited to sugar, sodium, and fat content, as determined by the National Nutrition Council; and c. A clear and readable format on printed menus, menu boards, and digital platforms.

SEC. 5. Role of the National Nutrition Council (NNC). - The NNC

shall: a. Provide technical guidance on nutrition standards, dietary recommendations, and nutrient thresholds to be used for menu nutrition disclosure; b. Assist in the development of public education and awareness campaigns to promote informed and healthy food choices; and c. Monitor and evaluate the public health impact of this Act and submit periodic policy recommendations to Congress and the DOH.

SEC. 6. Appropriations. - The Department of Health (DOH)

shall immediately include in the Department's programs the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 7. Penalties. - Upon due notice and hearing, the

Department of Health (DOH) shall impose the following penalties on any covered food establishment that fails to comply with this Act: a. A fine of not less than fifty thousand pesos (P50,000) but not more than two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000) for the first offense. b. Suspension or revocation of the business permit for repeated or subsequent violations, without prejudice to other remedies under existing laws.

SEC. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60)

days from the effectivity of this Act, the DOH and in consultation with relevant stakeholders, shall issue the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.

SEC. 9. Separability Clause. - Should any provision or part of

this Act be declared unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions and parts hereof, insofar as they are separable from the invalid ones, shall remain in full force and effect.

SEC. 10. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders,

proclamations, rules and regulations, or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.

SEC. 11. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen

(15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. Approved,