Updates on the development Front-of-Pack Labelling (FOPL) in the Philippines were given in a webinar on April 20, 2021. This webinar was part of a series on Innovative Tools for Nutrition and Food Guidance organized by ILSI SEAR Philippine Country Committee, in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology- Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI), the lead government research institution for nutrition research and policy.
Mr Carl Vincent Cabanilla of DOST-FNRI, the project leader in the ongoing research on nutrient profiling model and FOPL reported on the updates on the nutrient profiling model, the results of which will be reported in June 2021. A proposed FOPL logo will be presented in July as part of Nutrition Month, followed by pretesting, finalization and launching of the FOPL in the last quarter of 2021. Ms Helena Alcaraz of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expressed their support to FOPL subject to review based on FDA existing guidelines. Ms Angelina Miles of the Philippine Chamber of Food Manufacturers Inc. shared the industry perspective on FOPL that should be fact-based. Being the voice of the food industry in advocating a compliant, safe, nutritious, and sustainable food supply, their organization supports how these nutrition tools can be disseminated and promoted through consumer education.
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