1. HELENA S. ALCARAZ, RND, MSc.

2. FDA Philippines has adopted the
Codex Guidelines on use of Health and
Nutrition Claims since January 2007
These guidelines shall be used in
addition to the existing national laws
on labelling

3. The only nutrition claims allowed are
those relating to the energy, protein,
carbohydrate, fat and its components,
fiber, sodium, vitamins and minerals
with Nutrient Reference Value (NRV)
The NRV is based on the local RDA or the
Recommended Energy and Nutrient
Intake (RENI)

4. Nutrient content claims should conform
to the Table of Conditions for nutrient
content.
Example:
Claim Conditions (not > than)
Low Fat 3 g per 100 g (solids)
1.5. g per 100 ml (liquids)
Fat Free 0.5 g per 100 g (solids)
or per 100 ml (liquids)

5. Where a food is by its nature low in or
free of the nutrient that is the subject of
the claim, the term describing the
nutrient should not precede the name of
the food but will be expressed as the
following: for example, “ a low calorie
food”, “ a cholesterol-free food’

6. CONDITIONS FOR COMPARATIVE
CLAIMS:
State the amount of difference in the
energy value or nutrient content.
Indicate the following:
a) The amount of difference related to the
same quantity (%, fraction or amount).
Full details should be given.
b) The identity of the food to which the
food is being compared

7. Relative difference of at least 25% in the
energy value or nutrient content. 10%
difference for micronutrient between the
compared food and a minimum absolute
difference in the energy value or nutrient
content
The criteria for the claims “light” and
“reduced” are the same.

8. CONDITIONS FOR HEALTH CLAIMS:
-Must be based on current relevant and
scientific facts and the level of proof is
sufficient to support the claimed effect
and the relationship to health.
-Must be acceptable to the competent
authority where the food is sold.
-The claimed benefit should arise from
the consumption of a reasonable quantity
of the food or food constituent.

9. -If the claimed benefit is attributed to a
nutrient with established reference
value, the food should be:
1. Source of or high in the
nutrient/constituent
2. Low in or reduced in or free of the
nutrient/food constituent
Only those essential nutrients for
which Nutrient Reference Values have
been established should be the subject
of a nutrient function claim.

10. -Should have a clear regulatory
framework for qualifying and/or
disqualifying conditions for eligibility to
use. Claims that increase the risk of
disease or adverse health-related
conditions are prohibited.
- Must have a validated method to
quantify the food constituent that forms
the basis of the claim.

11. Statement of the quantity of any nutrient
or other constituent of the food
The target group if appropriate
How to use the food to obtain the claimed
benefit & other lifestyle factors or other
dietary sources, where appropriate.
If appropriate, advice to vulnerable
groups on how to use the food & to
groups, if any who need to avoid the food.

12. :
Maximum safe intake of the food or food
constituent
How the food or food constituent fits
within the context of the total diet.
Statement on the importance of
maintaining a healthy diet.

13. Enriched or fortified foods
Bottled Water specifically mineral water

14. Concept of Nutrient Profiling or Sign
Posting is relatively new in the regulation
of nutrition labeling of food products
being distributed in the Philippines
There is a need to conduct local
assessment studies to determine the
impact of sign posting to consumers and
provide insight on the added benefit, if
any

15. Mandatory Nutrition Labelling is
currently being proposed by the
Department of Health. However, there
are several factors to consider before it
will be imposed.
The use of sign posting on the labels
maybe considered based on the results of
consumer research studies. However, the
use will be on a voluntary basis.
Good for You Seal-pass the criteria for the
levels of fat, sodium, fiber and sugar