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On January 19, 2023, Philippines FDA unveiled the draft of Revised Guidelines on Food Additives and Processing Aids, Repealing Administrative Order 88-A s. 1984. The draft was formulated as a replacement of the existing Philippines regulations on food additives and processing aids, and shall apply to all manufacturers, distributors (importer, exporter, and wholesaler), and traders of food products. Comments can be sent to [email protected] before February 3, 2023.
In general, the Philippines adopts Codex regulations on food additives. When there is no national standard for specific food products, the food additive and its maximum level of use shall comply with the Codex standard. For products with national standards, the use restrictions for food additives specified in the national standards shall be updated as per the latest Codex General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA).
More details disclosed by the draft
All food manufacturers, traders, and distributors shall secure a Certificate of Product Registration (CPR) before engaging in sale, distribution, and use of food additives.
If a food additive is allowed to be used in a general food category, in principle, it can also be used in all sub-categories. Similarly, when an additive is recognized for use in a sub-category, its use in any further sub-categories is recognized.
For infant formula, follow-up formula, formula for special medical purposes for infants, and complementary foods for infants and young children, in principle, carry-over of a food additive from raw material or ingredient is unacceptable.
The maximum level of caffeine used as flavor in cola-type beverages is 200 ppm.
If a food additive is used as flavoring substance, it shall abide by CAC/GL66-2008, US FEMA, IOFI and/or GRAS.
The use of processing aids shall be guided by Food Chemicals Codex, USFDA CFR Title 21, General Specifications and Considerations for Enzyme Preparations Used in Food Processing, or CAC/GL75-2010. For enzymes not listed in the Specifications and Considerations for Enzyme Preparations Used in Food Processing or CAC/GL75-2010, a certification from the competent authority of the country of origin is required.
Besides, the drafted guidelines attached two annexes. Annex A specified the function classes of food additives, along with their definitions and technological purposes. 27 function classes were included. Annex B listed food products highly consumed by the Filipino population, including six general food categories and specific food products under each general food category. The six general food categories include "cereal and cereal products", "bakery wares", "confectionary", "spices, soups, sauces", "beverages", and "dairy products".
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