Iloilo Second District Representative Kathryn Joyce Gorriceta has expressed optimism that Congress will approve two bills that seek to help consumers make informed food choices and reduce the risk of diet-related diseases.
Gorriceta, a physician by profession, said one bill requires food products sold in grocery stores and other retail establishments to carry food labels showing their ingredients, particularly their sugar and salt content.
Another bill mandates manufacturers to print front-of-pack warning labels on products classified as unhealthy and regulates the advertising and marketing of these products, particularly those targeting children.
Gorriceta clarified that the proposed measures are not intended to prevent micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from operating.
“My sentiments go to our entrepreneurs, especially our MSMEs. The bill is not strictly stopping them from pursuing their business,” she said.
The lawmaker added that the proposal seeks to regulate food manufacturing by establishing rules and policies, including limits on the salt and sugar content of certain food products.
“It’s just more of the regulation,” she stressed.
According to Gorriceta, the bills remain at the committee level in the House of Representatives.Carla Eunice Guevara, WVSU-COC intern/IMT
