Philippines Senate Proposes Bill to Ban Added Sugar for Baby Foods

In January of 2024, the Philippines Senate introduced and revealed Senate Bill No. 2518 titled An Act Prohibiting Producers and Manufacturers of Baby Food From Adding Sugar on Their Products, and for Other Purposes, also known as No Added-Sugar on Baby Foods Act. Currently, this new bill has been undergone the first reading and is now pending in the committee.

Background 

As added sugars have negative impact on oral health and the risk of developing a preference for sweet foods, which can contribute to overweight and obesity-related diseases, the World Health Organization (WHO) is advocating for a ban on added sugars in baby foods for children aged 0 to 36 months. In the Philippines, the prevalence of overweight and obesity is high, particularly among adults and adolescents. To address these concerns and promote good nutrition, optimal child growth and development, the recently proposed bill aims to implement a ban on added sugar in baby food, with the responsibility falling on producers and manufacturers to remove added sugar and explore healthier alternatives.

The proposed ban 

As per the proposed bill, no person or entity shall manufacture, sell, import, or distribute in commerce any baby food containing added sugar. The quality and label of no-added sugar baby foods shall fulfill the FDA's requirements. In addition, the government shall organize nationwide campaign to adequately promoted the benefits and rationale of no-added sugar baby foods.

It should be noted that baby food refers to all consumed food other than breastmilk that is made specifically for older infants and young children aged beyond 6 months to 36 months old.

Possible penalties 

If a baby food product is found to contain added sugar, the Department of Health (DOH) would firstly publish an appropriate notice and conduct a hearing, then issue an order for its recall, prohibition, or seizure from public sale or distribution. Individuals or entities found guilty may face a fine ranging from three to five hundred thousand Pesos, imprisonment of 1-5 years, or both, as determined by the court.

In the case of a juridical person being found guilty, the President, Secretary, Treasurer, and other responsible officers or individuals are liable for imprisonment. If the offender is a foreigner involved in the sale, distribution, or manufacturing of harmful baby food with added sugar, they will be deported directly following the completion of their sentence and payment of the fine, without further deportation proceedings.

Implementation 

Within 60 days from effective date of this Act, the DOH shall establish the necessary rules and regulations for the resultful implementation of this Act.