Press Release
May 16, 2011

ANGARA EYES FOOD SAFETY REGULATORY BOARD

To lessen the prevalence of food-borne illnesses in the Philippines, Senator Edgardo J. Angara recently filed a bill to ensure that food is kept safe for human consumption throughout the entire production process.

Angara mentioned that the stages of food production, namely the harvest and transfer of raw ingredients, processing of food products until the transportation from factory to market exposes this food to all kinds of pathogens, harmful chemicals as well as residues of antibiotics or pesticides.

"These factors call for a sound food regulatory system in the Philippines because these unchecked food products cause sickness such as diarrhea and food poisoning. In our country, the World Health Organization reported more than ten thousand cases of diarrhea each year," he said

Angara authored Senate Bill No. 2805, "An Act to Strengthen the Food Safety Regulatory System in the Country to Protect Consumer Health and Facilitate Market Access of Local Foods and Food Products, and for Other Purposes".

Also known as the Food Safety Act of 2011, this bill seeks to establish a comprehensive food safety regulation system in the Philippines, creating the Food Safety Regulation Coordinating Board. This agency shall be tasked to ensure the proper implementation and effectiveness of the new food safety regulations, as well as providing the necessary research and training programs for food safety.

To aid in the speedy dissemination of food-related risks, the bill also establishes a Rapid Alert System as an emergency measure.

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