Healthy Meals Act

Denate TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE Oftie of the eucetace REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 26 FEB -5 P2:53 SENATE RECEIVED BY: 1762 S. No. - Introduced by Senator Camille A. Villar AN ACT REQUIRING RESTAURANTS, FOOD CHAINS, AND OTHER FOOD SERVICE ESTABLISHMENTS TO PROVIDE NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION OF THEIR FOOD AND BEVERAGE OFFERINGS EXPLANATORY NOTE Article II, Section 15 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". Further, Article XIII, Section 11 mandates that, "The State shall adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to health development which shall endeavor to make essential goods, health, and other social services available to all the people at affordable cost" These Constitutional mandates affirm the responsibility of the State to look after the well-being of Filipinos and to protect their rights as consumer. Whether it is in restaurants, fast food chains, or other dining establishments, millions of Filipinos consume food without clear knowledge of its nutritional value. While Republic Act No. 7394, or the Consumer Act of the Philippines, already requires nutritional labeling for packaged goods, this protection does not extend to meals served in food service establishments. Lifestyle diseases such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and heart ailments continue to rise. 1 Many of these can be prevented or managed through healthier food choices. But people cannot make informed decisions without the right information. ' https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11974594/

This bill seeks to empower Filipino consumers by requiring restaurants, food chains, and other food service establishments to disclose the caloric and macronutrient content of their standard food and beverage offerings. By giving people access to clear and accurate nutritional information, we give them the ability to make better decisions for themselves and their families. This measure is not just about disclosure of the accurate nutritional content or information. It is about helping people live healthier lives, encouraging responsible food practices and supporting a culture of wellness in our country. In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. Camellic rien CAMILLE A. VILLAR

Gentait Offer of the germiarp TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session FEB -5 P2:53 SENATE RECEIVED BY: 1762 S. No. _ Introduced by Senator Camille A. Villar AN ACT REQUIRING RESTAURANTS, FOOD CHAINS, AND OTHER FOOD SERVICE ESTABLISHMENTS TO PROVIDE NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION OF THEIR FOOD AND BEVERAGE OFFERINGS Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled: ARTICLE I GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Healthy Meals Act".

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State shall protect and promote the right

to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them. The State shall require food service establishments to provide accessible and 7 accurate nutritional information to enable consumers to make informed dietary choices and to promote better health outcomes.

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

a) Restaurants, food chains, fast food outlets, cafeterias, and other food service establishments with at least five (5) branches nationwide or gross annual revenues exceeding Ten Million Pesos (P10,000,000.00); and b) Any establishment serving standardized menu items intended for public consumption.

Micro and small enterprises, as defined under Republic Act No. 9501 or the Magna Carta for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, shall be exempted from the requirements of this Act but are encouraged to comply on a voluntary basis.

Sec. 4. Mandatory Nutritional Disclosure. - Covered establishments shall

5 provide nutritional information for each standard food and beverage item offered, including at minimum: a) Caloric content (kilocalories); b) Macronutrient breakdown (grams of carbohydrates, protein, and total fat); c) Sodium content, when feasible. The information shall be presented clearly and conspicuously on menus, menu boards, digital displays, brochures, or other materials accessible to consumers at the point of purchase.

Sec. 5. Penalties. - Failure to comply with this Act shall subject covered

establishments to the following penalties: a) First offense - a fine of not less than Fifty Thousand Pesos (P50,000.00) but not more than One Hundred Thousand Pesos (P100,000.00); b) Second offense - a fine of not less than One Hundred Thousand Pesos (P100,000.00) but not more than Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Pesos (P250,000.00); and c) Third and subsequent offenses - a fine of not less than Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Pesos (P250,000.00) but not more than Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (P500,000.00) and possible revocation or suspension of business permit until compliance.

Sec. 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Department of Health

(DOH), in coordination with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the 29 Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), shall promulgate the implementing rules and

regulations (IRR) of this Act within ninety (90) days from its effectivity. The IRR shall 2 establish uniform standards for nutritional information disclosure, methods of computation, and acceptable formats for presentation.

Sec. 7. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of

this Act shall be included in the budgets of the implementing departments/agencies in 7 the annual General Appropriations Act.

Sec. 8. Separability Clause. - Should any provision of this Act be declared

unconstitutional, the remainder thereof not otherwise affected shall remain in full force and effect

Sec. 9. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders,

proclamations or administrative regulations that are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.

Sec. 10. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

complete publication in at least two newspapers of general publication. Approved,