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What are the new guidelines for prepackaged food products containing trans-fatty acids (TFA) released by Philippines FDA?

August 3, 2022
ANSWER

The Philippines Food and Drug Administration has Released New Guidelines for Prepackaged Food Products Containing Trans-Fatty Acids (TFA) which will be effective on 18 June 2023.

Guidelines:

A. Prepackaged processed food products for human consumption, commercial sale or use shall not contain Partially Hydrogenated Oil (PHO) whether as a single ingredient or raw material, or as ingredient to any prepackaged processed food product. Similarly, the manufacturing, trading, importation, and distribution in the Philippine market of these products are prohibited.

B. The manufacturing, trading, importation, distribution, and sale of the following shall be prohibited:

  • PHO to be consumed alone or used in the preparation of processed food products;
  • Oils and fats made blended with PHO;
  • Oils and fats with more than 2g TFA per 100g or 100mL of total fat; and
  • Prepackaged processed food products with PHO and high TFA content exceeding 2g per 100g or 100mL of total fat.

C. Prepackaged processed food products for export shall follow the rules and regulations for PHO and TFA of the country of destination.

D. The label claim TFA-Free, 0 g Trans Fat or No transfat or any similar claim shall be prohibited on the label and in the marketing/advertising of any processed food.

E. The TFA content of food products shall be declared on the Nutrition Information panel of the label.

 

Reference

Republic of the Philippines Department of Health Food and Drug Administration. (2022). Guidelines for Prepackaged Processed Food Products Containing Trans-Fatty Acids (FDA Circular No. 2021-028).